THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


X'lr 


THE 


PILGRIMAGE 


OF 


ADAM    AND    DAVI 


WITH    SKETCHES    OP 


THEIR   HEAVENLY   EMPLOYMENT. 


A  BIBLE  ALLEGORY. 


BY  JAMES    GALLAIIER, 


"  JIany  other  signs  tnily  (TiJ  Jesus  in  the  presence  of  his  disciptcswhicliarenot 
written  ill  this  bciok.**   —John. 


SECO^'D    EDITION. 


BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED  BY  CROCKER  AND   BREWSTER. 

new  yokk  :    m.  w.  dodd. 

piiiladi:lphl\  :    avilliam  s.  martien. 

1849. 


Entered,  according    to    Act  of   Congress,  in   the    5-eav  184G,  by 

JAMES   GALLAHER, 

in  the  Clerk's  OiSce  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Ohio. 


STEREOTYPED  AT  THE 
BOSTON'  TYPE  AND  STEREOTYPE  FOUNDRY. 


BS 

55  O 
G13p 

1849 

PREFACE 

TO    THE    SECOND    EDITION, 


I  HAVE  long  believed  that  true  religion  would  be  honored, 
could  the  great  men  of  the  heathen  world  be  fairly  contrasted 
with  the  great  of  the  Bible.  Nowhere  on  this  dark  earth  does 
the  human  mind  unfold  its  powers  to  such  purpose  and  per- 
fection as  where  the  light  of  revelation  shines.  When  a 
young  worshipper  of  the  true  God  was  brought  into  the  court 
of  a  mighty  heathen  king,  and  stood  there  amidst  renowned 
statesmen,  talented  counsellors,  and  profound  politicians,  and 
gave  his  opinions  and  his  advice  to  the  king,  Pharaoh  said 
unto  his  servants,  "  Can  we  find  such  a  one  as  this  is,  a  man  in 
whom  the  spirit  of  God  is?  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph, 
Forasmuch  as  God  hath  showed  thee  all  this,  there  is  none  so 
discreet  and  wise  as  thou  art:  thou  shalt  be  over  my  house, 
and  according  unto  thy  word  shall  all  my  people  be  ruled  :  only 
in  the  throne  will  I  be  greater  than  thou."  (Gen.  xli.  38 — 40.) 
Now,  what  was  true  of  Joseph  in  the  court  of  Egypt,  is  true 
of  the  great  men  of  the  Bible  in  every  department  of  society. 
The  Bible  legislator  and  the  Bible  historian  has  no  parallel  in 
the  annals  of  the  heathen  world.  In  like  manner,  the  faithful 
friend,  the  deep  politician,  the  eloquent  orator,  the  patriot 
soldier,  and  the  great  general,  portrayed  on  the  sacred  pages, 
are  unequalled  where  the  true  religion  is  unknown.  It  is 
remarkable  that   at   a  single  touch  the  pencil  of  inspiration 


4  PREFACE    TO    THE     SECOND    EDITION. 

places  the  whole  living  man  before  you.  The  student  of  the 
Bible  sees  Jonathan,  the  friend  of  David,  as  plainly  as  ever  an 
American  saw  Lafayette,  the  friend  of  Washington.  Pie 
knows  Ahithophe.l  as  perfectly  as  an  enlightened  Frenchman 
knows  Talleyrand.  He  understands  Hushai  the  Archite  as 
well  as  an  old  Virginian  understands  the  character  of  Patrick 
Henry.  And  he  becomes  as  well  acquainted  with  Joab  as 
the  Tennesseean  is  acquainted  with  General  Jackson. 

The  following  book  was  prepared  with  a  view  of  intro- 
ducing the  reader  to  the  great  men  and  the  thrilling  scenes 
of  the  Bible,  and  with  a  belief  that  thus  many  might  be  led 
to  take  a  deeper  interest  in  the  sacred  volume^  The  experi- 
ment has  been  successful.  Rev.  Thomas  Brainard,  pastor  of 
the  Third  Presbyterian  Church,  Philadelphia,  writes,  June  6, 
1849,  "  I  have  reason  to  love  the  book.  Mrs.  Judge  Burnet, 
of  Cincinnati,  sent  a  single  copy  to  my  little  son  in  Philadel- 
phia, when  he  was  eight  years  old.  He  read  it  six  times 
through  and  through.  He  literally  devoured  its  contents  ; 
he  learned  to  repeat  its  dialogues;  he  set  to  work  to  search 
out  the  Bible  history  on  which  it  is  founded;  —  and  afier 
three  years,  his  eyes  still  sparkle  when  any  thing  in  the  Bible 
recalls  to  his  mind  Adam  and  David's  Pilgrimage.  His 
book  has  been  lent  with  a  similar  result  in  other  families.  It 
is  now  lent  in  Massachusetts.  This  is  the  only  copy  I  have 
personally  seen ;  but  I  hope  the  youth  of  our  land  will  see 
thousands." 

A  Missouri  senator  met  me  in  the  streets  of  St.  Louis. 
*'  Why,  sir,"  said  he,  "  I  have  been  reading  your  book.  I 
never  knew  there  were  such  interesting  characters  and  scenes 
in  the  Old  Testament.  I  thought  it  was  all  fulfilled  and  done 
away.  But  now  I  have  set  in  to  read  it  through,  and  I  am 
greatly  interested,  and  I  hope  profited."  Such  testimony 
has  been  received  from  many  others.  May  the  Lord  cause 
the  publication  to  promote  his  glory  and  the  prosperity  of  his 
Zion. 


PREFACE 


TO    THE    FIRST    EDITION, 


TO      THE 


YOUNG  MEN   OF  THE   UNITED   STATES. 


My  Young  Countrymen  : 

The  writer  of  the  following  work  respectfully  presents 
his  book  to  you.  His  object  is,  to  encourage  you  to  study 
the  Bible;  not  as  a  book  of  religion  merely,  but  as  the  great 
storehouse  of  general  knowledcre.  No  book  takes  hold  of 
the  four  corners  of  the  human  mind,  and  "  lifts  it  up,"  like 
the  book  that  God  has  written. 

Almost  every  American  has  felt  that  there  was  an  intel- 
lectual superiority  possessed  by  Dr.  Franklin,  which  caused 
him  to  shine  as  a  luminary  of  the  first  magnitude  among  the 
worthies  of  the  revolution.  You  take  up  a  newspaper ;  you 
cast  your  eye  on  the  first  page,  and  see  "  Debates  in  Con- 
gress." Perhaps  you  will  not  read  them.  On  the  second 
page  you  see,  "  Dissertation  on  Political  Economy."  This, 
also,  you  pass  over.  On  the  third  page  you  find,  "  Anecdote 
of  Franklin."  You  are  sure  to  read  it.  Among  Americans, 
nine  hundred   and   ninety-nine   in   a  thousand    will  read  it, 

1* 


6  PREFACE    TO    THE    FIRST    EDITION. 

There  is  an  intellectual  charm  about  Franklin,  that  is  felt  by 
the  whole  American  people. 

Why  is  this?  What  was  it  imparted  to  the  mind  of 
Franklin  that  clearness  and  power  which  were  so  conspicu- 
ous through  ail  his  history  ? 

I  answer,  that  one  prominent  reason  is  this  :  Early  in  life, 
his  fine  intellect  was  enriched  with  an  uncommonly  intimate 
and  thorough  acquaintance  with  the  sacred  Scriptures;  and 
the  Bible-reading  habit,  which  he  formed  when  very  young, 
he  continued  to  cultivate  until  old  age.  This  appears  on 
almost  every  page  of  his  public  life.  Few,  if  any,  of  the 
political  men  of  that  day,  approached  him  in  the  accuracy 
and  extent  of  his  scriptural  knowledge;  and  this  is  one  chief 
reason  why  Franklin  towered  "  a  head  and  shoulders  "  above 
his  fellows,  in,  perhaps,  every  assembly  of  which  he  was  a 
member. 

An  anecdote  or  two  will  illustrate  this  subject. 

When  quite  a  youth,  Franklin  went  to  London,  entered  a 
printing-office,  and  inquired  if  he  could  get  employment  as  a 
printer  1 

"Where  are  you  from?"  inquired  the  foreman  of  the 
establishment. 

"  America,"  was  the  reply. 

The  English,  at  that  time,  had  an  opinion,  sufficiently 
prevalent  among  them  yet,  that  America  is  a  land  of  wild, 
uncultivated  forests,  and  of  wild,  uncultivated  minds. 

"Ah,"  said  the  foreman,  "  from  America?  A  lad  from 
America  seeking  employment  as  a  printer.  Well,  do  you 
really  understand  the  art  of  printing?    Can  you  set  type?  " 

Franklin  stepped  to  one  of  the  cases,  and  in  a  very  brief 
space,  set  up  the  following  passage,  from  the  first  chapter  of 
the  Gospel  by  St.  John:  "  Nathanael  saith  unto  him,  Can 
any  good  thing  come  out  of  Nazareth  ?"  "  Philip  saith  unto 
him,  Come  and  see."  It  was  done  so  quick,  so  accurately, 
and  contained  a  delicate  reproof,  so  appropriate  and  powerful, 


PREFACE    TO    THE    FIRST    EDITION.  7 

that  it  at  once  gave  him  standing   and  character  with  all  who 
were  in  the  office. 

-Similar  anecdotes,  in  great  numbers,  might  be  given.  I 
shall  at  present,  however,  mention  but  one  more. 

When,  after  the  declaration  of  independence,  Franklin 
was  minister  from  the  United  States  to  France,  he  was  invited 
to  dine  with  a  French  nobleman,  in  company  with  the  British 
ambassador.  After  dinner,  they  were  taking  a  glass  of  wine, 
and  it  was  proposed  that  each  should  give  a  sentiment,  or 
toast.  The  Englishman  led  the  way,  and  gave,  "George  the 
Third :  like  the  Sun  in  his  meridian  glory,  he  is  the  admira- 
tion of  the  world  !  " 

The  French  nobleman  followed  next,  and  gave, — 

"  The  dueen  of  France  :  like  the  Moon  in  her  bright  path 
through  the  heavens,  she  enlightens  and  influences  the  earth." 

Both  now  turned  to  Franklin,  confident  that  he  was  thrown 
very  far  into  the  back  ground.  But  Franklin,  with  great 
composure,  took  up  his  glass,  and  gave, — 

"  George  Washington  :  like  Joshua  of  old,  he  commands 
the  Sun  and  the  Moon  to  stand  still,  and  they  obey  him." 

Many  have  an  impression,  that  as  the  Bible  is  a  book  of 
religion,  religious  improvement  is  the  only  benefit  to  be  de- 
rived from  its  perusal.  The  mistake  is  mischievous.  It  is 
true,  the  Bible  is  the  great  source  of  relisfious  instruction. 
Its  chief  design  is  to  teach  us  to  glorify  God  and  prepare  for 
a  future  world.  But  it  is  also  true,  that  it  is  the  great  mag- 
azine of  useful  knowledge  ;  and  that  an  intimate  acquaintance 
with  its  sacred  pages,  is  immensely  profitable  for  the  "  life 
that  now  is,"  as  well  as  for  the  "  life  that  is  to  come." 

You  have  never  seen  a  man  "mighty  in  the  Scriptures," 
but  that  man  was  very  respectable  for  his  general  knowledge. 
You  have  never  seen  a  grossly  ignorant  man,  a  grossly  igno- 
rant family,  a  grossly  ignorant  neighborhood,  but  that  man, 
that  family,  that  neighborhood,  had  grossly  neglected  the 
book  of  God. 


8  PREFACE    TO    THE    FIRST    EDITION. 

Now,  the  Bible  is  not  read.  This  is  a  reading  age.  But 
alas!  a  large  portion  of  the  reading  community  do  not  read 
the  Bible.  Their  time  is  spent  in  reading  light,  frothy,  vapid 
trash,  "  written  by  a  moonbeam,  and  dictated  by  the  night- 
mare," while  the  golden  treasures  of  God's  book  are  neglected. 
There  are  many  instances  of  men,  in  public  life,  who  go 
halting  all  their  days,  because,  in  their  education,  that  bet<t 
foundation  of  general  knowledge  was  not  laid.  They  go 
through  life  a  laughing-stock  to  Sabbath  school  children, 
because  they  are  ignorant  of  the  book  of  God. 

I  will  give  a  few  examples. 

An  editor  of  one  of  our  newspapers,  when  giving  an  obit- 
uary notice  of  a  worthy  man,  remarks,  "  We  may  say  of  him, 
as  the  Holy  Scriptures  have  so  beautifully  expressed  it,  — 

«'  An  honest  man  's  the  noblest  work  of  God." 

A  certain  lawyer,  pleading  for  an  old  culprit,  makes  this 
appeal :   "  You  know,  gentlemen  of  the  jury,  that  the   Bible 

says,— 

"  While  the  lamp  holds  out  to  burn, 
The  vilest  sinner  may  return." 

Two  members  of  a  state  legislature,  at  the  close  of  the 
session,  addressed  a  circular  to  their  constituents:  "  We  hope 
the  course  we  have  pursued,  and  the  votes  we  have  given, 
will  meet  your  approbation.  We  hope  you  will  say  to  us, 
as  Nathan  said  to  David,  '  Well  done,  good  and  faithful 
servants.' " 

"  Mr.  Speaker,"  said  a  member  of  a  legislative  body,  ear- 
nestly opposing  a  measure  before  the  house,  —  "  Mr.  Speaker, 
I  would  no  more  vote  for  that  bill,  than  I  would  fall  down  and 
worship  the  golden  calf  that  Abraham  made." 

"  Mr.  Speaker,"  said  another  member,  "  the  gentleman  is 
wrong.  It  was  not  Abraham  that  made  the  golden  calf;  it 
was  Nebuchadnezzar." 


PREFACE    TO    THE    FIRST    EDITION.  9 

Instances  of  this  kind  might  be  given  by  the  dozen,  by  the 
score,  by  the  hundred. 

The  Bible  contains  the  most  instructive  history  in  the 
world  —  the  richest  biography.  No  book  delineates  charac- 
ter with  such  accuracy,  clearness,  brevity,  and  power.  It 
abounds  with  the  sublimest  poetry,  the  loftiest  eloquence,  the 
most  overwhelming  logic,  and,  indeed,  all  the  higher  beau- 
ties of  literature;  while,  at  the  same  time,  it  lays  before  us  a 
map  of  the  road  that  leads  to  a  brighter  world.  Yet  the 
Bible  is  not  read. 

But  a  short  time  since,  I  conversed  with  a  gentleman,  who 
had  been  assisting  the  Bible  Society  to  supply  every  family 
with  a  copy  of  the  blessed  book.  He  told  me  frankly,  it  was 
a  book  he  had  never  read  himself 

Now,  to  direct  the  attention  of  his  young  countrymen,  in 
this  great  and  growing  republic,  to  the  rich,  though  neglected 
treasures  contained  in  God's  precious  Word,  —  the  thrilling 
interest  of  Bible  themes,  —  the  unrivalled  beauty  of  Bible  his- 
tory,—  the  unparalleled  grandeur  of  Bible  truth,  —  the  une- 
qualled sweetness  of  Bible  religion,  —  the  vast  and  inexhaust- 
ible variety  of  Bible  instruction,  is  the  aim  and  object  of 

The  Author. 

St.  Charles,  Mlssouei,  April  10,  18i6. 


NOTE. 

One  word  as  to  the  manner  of  the  following  work. 
As  my  design  is  to  interest  the  reader  in  Bible  scenes,  Bible 
characters,  and  Bible  truth,  I  have  preferred  to  use,  in  the 
dialofTue,  the  modern  rather  than  the  ancient  style.  This 
feature  of  the  book  is  the  result  of  mature  deliberation. 


10  PREFACE    TO    THE    FIKST    EDITION. 

Again  :  it  is  no  part  of  my  plan  to  delineate  the  character 
of  the  fallen  angels.  Their  conversation  is  used  solely  as  a 
medium  for  bringing  past  events  and  ancient  men  before  the 
reader.  Should  any  one  object,  that  the  demons  are  not 
had  enough,  I  reply,  that  this  feature  of  the  work,  also,  v^as 
deliberately  chosen,  as  best  calculated  to  answer  the  design 
of  the  Author.  This  style  of  presenting  Bible  subjects  was 
adopted  with  the  hope  that  many  who  neglect  to  read  com- 
mentaries and  sermons,  may  thus  have  their  attention  awak- 
ened, and  their  minds  directed  to  the  rich  treasures  contained 
in  the  Holy  Oracles. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

Chapter  I.  —  The  Cavern  —  Tlie  Congress  of  Fallen  Angels, ...     13 

Chapter  II.  —  Lucifer's  Narrative  —  His  Excursion  through  dis- 
tant Worlds  —  He  finds  that  departed  Saints  are  employed  in 
spreading  through  the  Creation  the  Knowledge  of  Man's  Re- 
demption—  He  finds  Adam  thus  employed, 20 

Chapter  III.  —  Adam's  Rehearsal  of  his  Primitive  State  —  His 
Fall  —  The  First  Promise  —  And  the  Unfolding  of  the  Plan  of 
Salvation, 32 

Chapter  TV.  —  Adam's  Discourse  continued 61 

Chapter  Y.  —  Adam  relates  the  Accomplishment  of  Messiah's 
Undertaking  as  witnessed  by  the  departed  Saints  —  Speaks  of 
Pilate  and  Herod, 59 

Chapter  VI.  —  The  Darkness  at  the  Death  of  Christ, 69 

Chapter  VII.  —  The  Resurrection  of  Christ, 74 

Chapter  VIII.  —  Proof  of  the  Atonement,  79 

Chapter  IX.  —  The  Gospel, 86 

Chapter  X.  —  Lucifer  finds  David  also  engaged  in  making 
known  the  "Ways  of  God  to  Man  —  Lucifer  pauses  in  his  Nar- 
rative, and  Eelial  begins  his  Rehearsal  of  the  Life  and  Times  of 
David, 99 

Chapter  XI.  —  David's  Trials, 129 

Chapter  XII.  —  Zeruiah  and  Samuel, •  •   153 


12  CONTENTS. 

FACE. 

Chapter  Xm David's  Kingdom 169 

Chapter  XIV.  —  David'a  Transgression, 178 

Chapter  XV.  —  Absalom, 187 

Chapter  XVI.  —  Joab  and  Ahitlioplicl 197 

Chapter  X^TI.  —  The  RebeUion, 203 

Chapter  XATU.  —  The  Debate, 219 

Chapter  XIX.  —  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan, 23-i 

Chapter  XX.  —  The  Retreat 251 

Chapter  XXI.  —  Scenes  at  Jerusalem, 263 

Chapter  XXII.  —  Carmi  and  Ahithophel, 284 

Chapter  XXIII.  —  Barzillai  the  Gileadite, 297 

Chapter  XXH^  —  Preparations  for  Battle, 309 

Chapter  XXV.  —  The  Battle, 326 

Chapter  XXVI.  —  Scenes  at  Mahanaim,  350 

Chapter  XXVII.  —  The  Return  to  Jerusalem, 370 

Chapter  XXVIU.  —  Scenes  after  the  Restoration, 379 

Chapter   XXIX.  —  David's   True    Greatness  —  His  Psalms  and 
Hymns, 405 

Likes  on  the  Missouri  River, 419 


THE   PILGRIMAGE 


OF 


ADAM   AND   DAVID 

AN    ALLEGORY. 


CHAPTER    I. 

THE     CAVERN. 

The  sun  had  gone  down  behind  the  distant  moiui- 
tains,  and  the  shadows  of  a  calm  and  beautiful  evening 
were  gathering  aronnd.  As  the  daylight  faded  away, 
I  had  been  reading  the  missionary's  account  of  a  vol- 
canic eruption  in  an  island  of  the  Pacific  Ocean.  The 
narrative  excited  the  highest  interest.  The  trembling 
of  the  whole  island  ;  the  thunders  of  the  convulsed 
mountain  ;  the  immense  vohimes  of  ascending  smoke, 
that  turned  "  day  into  night,  and  night  into  darkness  ;  " 
the  volcanic  lightning,  that  now  shot  up  to  an  incon- 
ceivable height,  and  now,  branching  out  like  some 
gigantic  forest  tree,  glared  over  the  mighty  crater  ; 
the  flood  of  burning  lava,  that  the  mountain  vomited 
forth,  which,  rolling  a  river  of  fire,  broad  and  deep  as 

2 


14  THE    CAVERN. 

the  Mississippi,  swept  through  a  tall  grove  for  more 
than  forty  miles,  and  then  over  a  huge  precipice  dis- 
charged its  terrible  flood  into  the  vexed  and  boiling 
ocean. 

After  the  excitement  produced  by  this  awful  de- 
scription began  to  subside,  I  gradually  sunk  into  a  gen- 
tle slumber.  But  the  deep  impression  was  still  on  the 
mind.  In  my  dream  I  saw  before  me  a  volcanic 
mountain.  Its  height  was  very  great,  but  its  fires  were 
extinguished  and  its  thunders  were  hushed.  No  col- 
umn of  smoke  streamed  upward  from  its  lofty  summit, 
and  the  vast  bodies  of  lava  which  it  had  once  thrown 
out,  were  now  crusted  and  cold  as  the  granite  rock. 
On  the  majestic  mountain  side,  howcA^er,  though 
scarred  and  blackened  with  the  traces  of  former  erup- 
tions, I  could  distinctly  mark,  even  to  a  great  elevation, 
the  successful  attempts  of  nature  to  throw  around  it 
her  bright  mantle  of  green. 

At  the  base  of  the  mountain  was  the  yawning  mouth 
of  an  immense  cavern.  On  the  one  side  was  a  wall  of. 
primitive  rock,  which,  rising  to  a  great  height,  seemed 
to  overhang  a  large  portion  of  the  open  space.  On  the 
other  side,  black  masses  of  solid  lava  formed  the  boun- 
dary. Whether  successive  eruptions,  pitching  the  lava 
from  the  brow  of  the  projecting  clilf,  had  left  this 
mighty  opening,  or  whether  it  had  been  formed  by 
some  tremendous  convulsion  of  nature,  it  was  now 
impossible  to  determine. 

In  the  strange  illusions  of  a  dream,  I  resolved  to 
explore  this  remarkable  mansion,  and  proceeding  cau- 
tiously along  through  the  "  darkness  visible,"  I  had 
gone    a   considerable    way,  when    ui}^    attention  was 


THE    CAVERN.  15 

caught  by  a  dim  light,  that  feebly  twinkled  through 
the  gloom.  On  turning  toward  it,  there  appeared,  as 
thoush  hewn  out  of  the  solid  rock,  on  one  side  of  the 
cavern,  an  immense  hall,  fitted  up  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  some  mighty  congress.  There  was  the  lofty 
chair  of  the  speaker  or  president ;  and  there  the  long 
ranges  of  curving  seats,  rising  gradually  one  behind 
another  for  the  use  of  the  members,  while  here  and 
there,  at  regular  intervals,  suspended  lamps  were  dimly 
burning.  But  no  living  form  appeared.  All  was  si- 
lence and  desertion.  After  gazing  on  this  extraordinary 
scene  for  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  two  iinearthly  be- 
ings suddenly  appeared  at  the  further  extremity  of  the 
spacious  hall,  and  engaged  in  earnest  conversation. 

"I  am  greatly  troubled,"  said  one,  —  and  the  voice 
was  unlike  any  sound  that  ever  before  had  fallen  on  my 
ears,  —  "I  am  greatly  troubled  at  the  long  and  unac- 
countable absence  of  our  chief.  I  fear  it  portends 
disaster  to  his  empire." 

'^  Perhaps  not,"  said  the  other  :  "  he  is  doubtless  en- 
gaged in  guarding  and  fortifying  his  heathen  dominions 
against  the  encroachments  of  the  gospel.  The  modern 
movements  of  the  church  are  absolutely  beyond  endur- 
ance. In  scarcely  one  of  the  heathen  nations  is  our 
cause  now  exempt  from  annoyance.  Great  Lucifer, 
who  once  could  proudly  point  to  '  all  the  kingdoms  of 
the  world '  as  his  possessions,  and  claim  '  the  glory  of 
them  '  as  all  his  own,  is  now  threatened  with  utter  dis- 
franchisement. I  doubt  not  that  this  is  the  cause  of 
his  long  absence.  Indignant  at  the  attempts  to  expel 
him  from  the  abodes  of  men,  he  has  grasped  the  great 
war-club  of  Jiell,  with  which  he  battled  against   the 


16  THE    CAVKRN. 

cliurch  ill  the  days  of  Paul  and  Peter,  and  with  this  he 
is  beating  otf  the  Bible  and  the  missionary  from  his 
heathen  dominions." 

"  That  was  my  opinion  until  of  late,  but  it  is  now 
fully  ascertained  to  be  a  mistake.  I  have  conversed 
with  Belial  to-day,  and  he  assures  me  that  scouts  have 
been  despatched,  and  that  they  have  diligently  searched 
every  dark  corner  of  Europe,  Africa,  Asia,  America, 
and  the  islands  of  the  sea,  and  they  have  searched  in 
vain." 

''  Why,  you  astonish  me  !  " 

"  No  doubt  now  remains  that  Lucifer  is  gone  from 
the  earth.  No  tidings  of  him  can  be  heard,  nor  the 
slightest  traces  of  his  movements  found  for  the  last 
fifteen  years." 

"  Can  that  be  possible  ?  I  fear,  then,  that  the  days 
of  his  kingdom  on  earth  are  numbered.  I  have  long 
dreaded  the  accomplishment  of  that  ancient  oracle, 
uttered  by  the  apostle  John  on  the  Isle  of  Patmos.  I 
was  near  him  at  the  time.  His  form,  his  attitude,  and 
tone  of  voice,  are  fresh  in  my  memory  till  this  day. 
He  came  to  the  verge  of  the  island  to  which  he  had 
been  banished.  He  stood  upon  a  naked  rock,  that  over- 
hung the  roaring  ocean,  and  while  the  sea  breeze  lifted 
the  long,  white  locks  from  his  aged  countenance,  that 
glowed  with  the  sublimity  of  divine  inspiration,  he 
stretched  his  hands  towards  the  dwelling-place  of  the 
nations  his  Master  had  come  to  redeem,  and  pronounced 
these  awful  words :  — 

"  '  I  saw  an  angel  come  down  from  heaven,  having 
the  key  of  the  bottomless  pit,  and  a  great  chain  in  his 
liand,  and  he  laid  hold  on  the  dragon,  that  old  serpent, 


THE    CAVERX. 


i: 


Avhich  is  the  Devil  and  Satan,  and  bound  him  a  tliou- 
sand  years,  and  cast  hiin  into  tlie  bottomless  pit,  and 
shut  him  up,  and  set  a  seal  upon  him,  that  he  should 
deceive  the  nations  no  more  till  the  thousand  years 
should  be  fulfilled.' 

"  T  am  startled,"  said  the  demon,  "  lest  this  terrible 
oracle  has  been  fulfilled,  and  our  great  master  is  now 
in  chains  of  darkness,  shut  up  in  the  bottomless  pit." 

Here  a  group  of  anxious  and  haggard  visages  ap- 
peared around  the  speakers.  Presently  the  hum  of  a 
moving  multitude  was  heard.  Innumerahle  forms 
from  without  were  hurrying  into  the  spacious  hall. 
In  a  moment,  the  long  ranges  of  seats  were  crowded. 

I  gazed  on  this  singular  assembly,  and  was  much  im- 
pressed with  the  indications  of  powerful  mind  that  ap- 
peared among  them.  Here  were  a  multitude  of  beings 
that  once  shone  among  the  stars  of  heaven,  cherubim 
and  seraphim  hurled  by  sin  from  exalted  stations  on 
high,  who  yet  appeared  "majestic  though  in  ruins." 

I  had  often  marked  the  strong  language  of  the  Bible 
concerning  the  power  of  fallen  angels  —  "a  roaring 
lion;"  '-a  great  red  dragon;"  "the  prince  of  the 
power  of  the  air  ;  "  "  rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this 
world  ;  "  and  other  kindred  expressions  ;  and  the  vision 
now  before  me  seemed  fully  to  justify  the  emphatic 
language  of  the  sacred  writers. 

Another  fact  that  arrested  my  attention  was  this  — 
the  resemblance  which  the  several  classes  of  these  de- 
mons bore  to  the  several  nations  among  whom  they  had 
been  employed.  I  learned  that  all  the  hosts  of  hell, 
from  heathen  and  from  Christian  lands,  had  been  sum- 
moned to  attend  this  grand  council.  It  appeared  that 
2# 


IS  THE    CAVERN. 

each,  for  ages,  had  been  employed  in  his  separate 
charge,  according  to  the  appointment  of  their  great 
leader. 

The  Scriptures  declare  that  the  heathen  idolaters 
"worshipped  devils  —  oflered  their  sacrifices  to  devils. 
Now  we  know  that  the  idea  of  local  deities  was  prev- 
alent among  them.  Some  of  their  idol  gods  were 
gods  of  the  hills,  but  not  of  the  valleys.  Some  of  their 
deities  had  power  in  one  district,  but  not  in  another. 

This  belief  among  the  ancient  heathens  comports 
fully  with  the  statement  that  the  rebel  angels  have 
each  a  separate  charge  among  the  nations  assigned 
them  by  their  mighty  chief.  Now  this  was  very  ob- 
servable in  the  great  assembly  before  me.  This  group 
reminded  you  of  the  dignified  and  proud  Englishman  ; 
that  brought  to  your  mind  the  volatile  and  mirth- 
loving  Frenchman  ;  while  a  third  led  you  to  think  of 
the  cloudy  and  mysterious  Spaniard.  Here  you  saw 
the  cold,  calculating  German ;  and  there  the  haughty 
and  whiskered  Russian.  The  representatives  from 
Turkey,  China,  and  Tartary  occupied  seats  in  one 
quarter ;  and  in  another  appeared  those  from  Central 
and  Southern  Africa,  and  the  islands  of  the  sea ;  while 
a  distinct  group,  with  copper-colored  visages  and  fierce, 
savage  appearance,  seemed  to  personify  the  North 
American  Indians.  I  looked  on  this  company,  and 
thought  of  the  names  of  those  powerful  Indian  chiefs 
that  were  the  terror  of  our  country  in  the  days  of  its 
early  settlement  —  "Red  Jacket,"  "Double  Head," 
"  The  Bloody  Fellow,"  and,  "  The  Hanging  Maw." 

From  remarks  interchanged,  in  a  low  tone  of  voice, 
by  individuals  in  this   congress  of  Rebel   Angels,  I 


THE    CAVEKN.  19 

learned  that  the  general  impression  was  that  liiicifer 
had  reappeared  ;  that  this  council  had  been  sum- 
moned by  his  authority,  and  that  his  presence  among 
them  was  every  moment  ex})ected.  The  anxiety  de- 
picted in  many  countenances  was  great,  and  relentless- 
ness  and  impatience  began  to  be  visible  in  various  parts 
of  the  assembly  ;  when  suddenly  rising  on  the  platform 
in  front  of  the  speaker's  chair,  the  prince  of  hell, 

"In  shape  and  gesture  proudly  eminent, 
Stood  like  a  tower." 

Profound  silence  prevaded  the  entire  multitude, 
while  he  cast  his  eyes  around,  and  for  several  seconds 
surveyed  this  vast  host  of  collected  confederates.  At 
length  he  spake.  "  Friends  and  allies,  yon  have  doubt- 
less been  perplexed  and  amazed  at  my  long  and  unex- 
plained absence  ;  and  although  beforehand  I  judged  it 
important  to  lock  up  the  design  in  my  own  breast,  yet, 
now  that  the  enterprise  is  over,  it  will  gratify  me  frankly 
to  tell  you  all." 

Here,  as  if  the  well-remembered  voice  of  their  re- 
nowned chief  waked  up  emotions  that  could  not  be 
controlled,  the  whole  assembly  burst  forth  into  the 
most  tumultuous  cheering.  Hall  and  cavern  rang 
again.  It  seemed  the  very  mountain  shook,  and  the 
earth  itself,  for  leagues  around,  shared  in  the  strong 
agitation.  Often,  as  the  deafening  shout  began  to  sub- 
side, it  was  renewed,  reiterated,  and  prolonged  with  the 
most  extravagant  demonstrations  of  fiendish  ecstasy. 
Lucifer  at  length  waved  his  hand,  and  immediately 
the  multitude  was  calmed  and  reduced  to  order. 


20  Lucifer's  narrative. 


CHAPTER   II. 

LUCIFER'S    NARRATIVE. 

"  More  than  thirty  years  ago  I  marked  in  the  Chris- 
tian church  the  waking  up  of  a  spirit  which  at  once  I 
recognized  as  that  of  the  apostohc  age  — mighty  efforts 
to  send  the  Bible  abroad  in  all  the  languages  of  the 
earth ;  religious  truth  by  means  of  printed  tracts, 
diffused  through  every  nook  and  corner  of  society  J 
children  by  tens  and  by  hundreds  of  thousands  col- 
lected into  Sabbath  schools,  and  taught  to  lisp  hosan- 
iias  to  Him  wiio  died  on  Calvary  ;  while  the  living 
missionary  in  the  north  and  in  the  south,  in  the  east 
and  ui  the  west,  was  scaling  the  walls  that  for  long 
ages  have  surrounded  my  heathen  dominions,  and 
sounding  the  trumpet  of  the  gospel  jubilee. 

"  Signs  of  the  times,  like  the  buddmg  of  the  trees 
when  summer  is  nigh,  were  appearing  all  abroad.  A 
spirit  of  inquiry  seemed  to  be  stirring  up  the  nations. 
Idols  that  had  stood  firm  for  three  thousand  years,  were 
beginning  to  totter,  and  a  strange,  portentous  trembling 
penetrated  the  heart  of  the  empire  of  darkness. 

"  But  what  increased  my  alarm  was  this :  I  found 
that  the  attention  and  interest  of  heaven  was  now  di- 
rected with  uncommon  intensity  towards  earth.  Min- 
istering  angels  in   unusual  numbers  were  clustering 


Lucifer's  narrative.  21 

around  the  heirs  of  salvation.  And  while  they  roused 
their  immortal  energies  to  forward  every  gospel  enter- 
;_>rise,  there  was  an  air  of  animated,  confident  expecta- 
tion in  their  visages  and  in  their  movements,  such  as  I 
had  not  witnessed  before.  Their  whisperings  were  of 
'conquest,  victory,  nations  disinthralled,  and  a  reno- 
vated world.'  It  was  evident  that  throughout  all  their 
ranks  there  was  strong  assurance  that  the  great  harvest 
foretold  by  ancient  seers  is  at  hand,  when  the  sceptre 
of  sin  shall  be  broken,  and  earth  shall  be  transformed 
into  the  garden  of  the  Lord. 

"  In  my  attempts  to  oppose  them,  I  found,  from  month 
to  month,  the  work  becoming  more  and  more  difficult. 
In  stratagems  against  the  church,  success  was  slow  and 
hard  to  be  won.  Many  favorite  and  deep-laid  devices 
w'ere  wholly  baffled,  or  so  crippled  in  their  results  as  to 
aff'ord  little  triumph  in  the  review ;  while  the  river  of 
life  seemed  to  be  continually  swelling  in  its  channel, 
and  rolling  onward  with  a  bolder  and  a  broader  tide, 
threatening  ere  long  to  overflow  all  its  banks,  and  ex- 
tend its  wonderful  influence  to  the  thirsty  and  perish- 
ing nations. 

"After  an  arduous  struggle,  continued  through  many 
years,  I  became  fully  convinced  that  the  modern  move- 
ments of  the  gospel  cannot  be  overcome  or  arrested  by 
direct  resistance.  An  invisible  power  from  above  has 
come  down,  as  though  the  '  set  time  to  favor  Sion '  had 
arrived, 

"  No  army  that  I  could  muster  could  vanquish  in  the 
open  field  the  armies  marshalled  by  Him  who  rideth 
on  the  white  horse,  with  his  crown,  his  sword,  and  his 
bow, 


22  Lucifer's   narrative. 

"  I  saw  the  necessity  of  attempting  some  important 
change  in  the  circumstances  of  the  war  between  heaven 
and  hell.  I  had  known  earthly  warriors,  when  dis- 
couragements and  disasters  thickened  around,  and  suc- 
cess at  a  given  point  was  impracticable,  to  change  en- 
tirely the  field  of  contest,  and  thus  secure  the  most 
decided  triumph.  Thus  imperial  Rome,  when  Hanni- 
bal, for  sixteen  successive  years  on  the  plains  of  Italy, 
overmatched  her  generals,  cut  to  pieces  her  armies,  and 
shattered  her  strength,  and  it  became  perfectly  conclu- 
sive that  no  force  she  could  bring  into  the  field  could 
stand  before  the  terrible  invader  —  the  crafty  mistress 
of  the  world  despatched  Scipio  with  a  strong  Roman 
army  to  Africa,  kindled  there  the  flames  of  destructive 
war,  laid  siege  to  Carthage  itself,  and  thus  effected  the 
recall  of  Hannibal  and  the  ruin  of  Carthage.  By  this 
artful  device,  Victory,  which  so  long  had  seemed  to 
hesitate,  was  induced  finally  to  perch  on  the  standard 
of  Rome. 

"  I  resolved  to  attempt  a  similar  stratagem,  though 
on  a  somewhat  larger  scale.  I  was  persuaded  that  many 
portions  of  the  creation,  distant  from  earth,  must  be 
ignorant  of  its  history,  and  that  if  rebellion  against  the 
Creator  could  be  excited  there,  it  would  powerfully 
draw  off  the  attention  of  heaven  from  earth,  to  quell 
the  newly-excited  insurrection,  which  might,  perhaps, 
be  extended  far  and  wide." 

At  this  declaration  of  Lucifer,  a  strange  commo- 
tion was  visible  throughout  the  entire  throng  of  rebel 
angels.  Troubled  looks  were  exchanged,  and  here 
and  there  some  mighty  leader  rose  to  his  feet,  as  if 
anxious  to  make  an  inquiry.     Lucifer  paused,  and  the 


Lucifer's  narrative,  23 

following  question  was  propounded  by  several  voices 
at  once :  — 

''  Would  your  majesty,  then,  think  of  abandoning 
your  possessions  on  earth,  and  allowing  the  gospel  to 
achieve  its  triumphs  among  m^en,  without  resistance  ? 
Is  it  your  plan  to  found  your  empire  permanently  in 
some  different  and  distant  world?  " 

"  Never  !  never  !  "  vociferated  Lucifer,  with  much  ve- 
hemence, "  Never  !  never  !  "  There  was  a  pause,  during 
which  the  huge  frame  of  the  fallen  angel  underwent  an 
involuntary  shudder.  It  was  the  trembling  of  the  enor- 
mous forest  tree  that  has  felt  the  glance  of  the  lightning. 
Again  he  spoke  :  "  I  say  never,  never  surrender  my 
possessions  on  earth.  On  earth  I  set  up  the  standard  of 
hell  six  thousand  years  ago.  On  earth  I  have  battled 
long  with  patriarchs,  prophets,  and  apostles,  and  emis- 
saries from  the  world  above.  It  was  to  earth  Messiah 
came,  boasting  that  he  would  destroy  the  works  of  the 
Devil.  Yes,  and  through  my  management,  earth  re- 
jected him,  and  shed  his  blood.  I  am  resolved  firmly 
and  forever  to  maintain  my  kingdom  on  earth,  if  devil- 
ish ingenuity  and  devilish  energy  can  do  it.  The  de- 
sign of  which  I  spoke  was  simply  this  —  to  excite  insur- 
rection in  some  distant  province  of  the  Creator's  king- 
dom, draw  otf  the  armies  of  heaven  to  quell  the  troubles 
there,  and  thus  gain  ample  respite  to  recover  much  that 
has  been  lost  on  earth,  and  fortify  my  kingdom  here, 
that  it  may  be  more  strong  and  unassailable  than  ever." 

At  the  utterance  of  these  words,  a  smile  of  ineffable 
satisfaction  spread  over  the  whole  assembly,  and  the 
deep  murmur  of  applause  was  heard  from  all  parts  of 
the  crowded  h;ill. 


24  Lucifer's  narrative. 

'.'Having  formed  my  plan,"  contmued  Lucifer,  "I 
determined  to  set  out  immediately  on  its  execution.  I 
put  on  the  robes  of  an  angel  of  light,  and  ascended  to 
the  sun,  that  from  that  central  position  I  might  take 
a  survey  of  the  wide-extended  field  in  which  I  was  to 
act.  I  thought  it  best  to  go  quite  beyond  the  limits  of 
the  solar  system,  lest  the  knowledge  of  earth's  history 
should  have  extended  there,  and  should  impede  my 
purpose.  As  I  stood  on  the  outer  crust  of  the  sun, 
pondering  my  voyage,  and  undetermined,  as  yet,  in 
what  direction  it  was  best  to  steer,  I  perceived  a  comet 
of  unusual  magnitude  returning  from  some  long  excur- 
sion through  the  regions  of  space.  It  was  yoX  in  the 
distant  depths  of  the  broad  blue  heaven,  drawing  its 
immense  trail  in  the  direction  of  the  solar  system  with 
incredible  celerity.  In  the  fury  of  its  progress  it  seemed 
to  '  plough  the  stars  aside,'  and  for  a  time  looked  as 
though  it  would  surely  strike  the  body  of  the  sun.  But 
at  its  near  approach,  it  most  gracefully  curved  around 
the  burning  luminary,  throwing  its  long-extended  trail 
into  the  figure  of  a  gigantic  rainbow.  1  resolved  at 
once  to  take  passage  on  this  extraordinary  vehicle,  and 
while  it  was  near  the  sun,  I  sprung  upon  its  surface, 
and  i^erched  myself  on  one  of  its  lofty  peaks. 

"  Away,  away,  it  shot,  in  the  rapidity  of  its  flight, 
for  the  distant  tracts  of  creation.  It  was  evidently  the 
wreck  of  some  former  world,  which  once,  perhaps,  had 
been  the  abode  of  animated  beings.  But  it  was  now  in 
ruins.  The  work  of  destruction,  however,  was  yet  in- 
complete, for  it  was  evidently  still  in  progress.  Prom 
time  to  time,  the  internal  fires,  gaining  access  to  fresh 
bodies  of  coinl)nstibli?  matter,  tlamed  foitli  with  a  gran- 


Lucifer's  narrative.  25 

deiir  that  was  terrible.  Mountain  top  responded  to 
mountain  top  in  thundering  discharges  of  burning  lava. 
Tempests  and  tornadoes,  mingled  with  broad  sheets  of 
lightning,  howled  along  the  surface,  while  the  huge 
body  itself  was  incessantly  convulsed  and  torn,  as  by 
the  heavings  and  tossings  of  some  mighty  earthquake. 
"  On  we  drove,  accompanied  by  this  '  war  of  ele- 
ments and  wreck  of  matter.'  Conflagration  flamed  on 
conflagration,  and  explosion  thundered  on  explosion : 
on,  on,  we  drove, 

•  Sho-\vcring  thiii  flame  o'er  half  the  breadth  of  heaven.' 

"At  length,  having  passed  many  a  shining  world, 
wheeling  in  its  bright  orbit,  I  found  that  my  fiery  con- 
veyance was  beginning  to  slacken  in  its  speed.  I  there- 
fore prepared  to  betake  myself  to  flight,  and  bounding 
aloft,  I  spread  my  Avings,  and  directed  my  course  due 
north.  Onward,  onward,  onward,  I  winged  my  way, 
until  earth's  sun  grew  dim,  and  began  to  twinkle  in  the 
distant  heavens,  like  a  feeble  star.  I  now  found  myself 
approaching  a  cluster  of  worlds,  whose  orbits  encircle 
that  luminary  which  on  earth  is  called  the  polar  star. 
Here  I  determined  to  make  my  first  attempt.  Alight- 
ing on  a  large  revolving  globe,  I  began  to  take  a  par- 
ticular survey.  It  was  dressed  in  the  richest  green, 
intermingled  with  all  the  varied  and  beautiful  drapery 
of  early  spring.  I  could  only  compare  it  to  Eden  in 
its  first  loveliness,  before  the  blight  and  desolations  of 
sin  had  entered  there.  Even  in  the  vegetable  kingdom 
I  could  not  detect  the  slightest  trace  of  mildew  or  de- 
cay, I  looked  carefully  around,  if  there  were  any  marks 
of    indignation   from   on   high  —  any  object   scathed 

3 


26  Lucifer's   narrative.  / 

with  the  curse  of  the  Almighty.  But  there  was  none. 
I  Hstened  attentively.  But  neither  sigh  nor  moan,  nor 
accent  of  woe,  could  be  heard.  Nor  could  I  find  tomb- 
stone or  graveyard,  nor  any  vestige  of  the  ravages  of 
him  who  rideth  on  the  '  pale  horse.' 

"  No  doubt  now  remained  that  I  had  reached  a  sinless 
world,  and  that  intellectual  beings,  who  inhabited  here, 
have  retained  their  allegiance  to  God.  As  I  was  revolv- 
ing in  my  mind  the  method  in  which  it  might  be  best 
to  approach  them,  and  attempt  to  draw  them  into  sin, 
my  attention  was  caught  by  a  structure  at  no  great  dis- 
tance, evidently  the  work  of  art,  but  of  singular  sym- 
metry and  grandeur. 

"  It  was  manifestly  a  monument  designed  to  perpetu- 
ate the  knowledge  of  some  great  event.  The  material 
of  which  it  was  built  surpassed  the  finest  white  marble, 
and  while  it  stood  secure  and  firm  on  its  substantial 
base,  the  spire  streamed  up  to  an  incredible  height,  and 
seemed  to  touch  the  floating  clouds  of  heaven.  I  ap- 
proached to  take  a  nearer  survey,  and  learn,  if  possible, 
its  meaning.  Judge  of  my  astonishment,  when  there, 
on  its  broad  surface,  appeared  an  inscription,  in  letters 
of  light,  rehearsing  the  story  of  *  The  Manger,'  '  The 
Garden,'   'The  Cross,'  and  'The   Sepulchre.' 

"  Astounded  and  dizzy  with  amazement,  I  could 
scarcely  realize  what  I  saw.  It  seemed  like  the  illu- 
sion of  some  wild,  fantastic  dream.  But  surveying  the 
inscription  again  and  again  assured  me  that  it  was  a 
palpable  and  undoubted  reality.  Immediately  the 
thought  occurred  —  some  of  the  saints  from  the  heav- 
enly world  have  been  here,  and  have  told  of  God's  plan 
of  redemption  for  man. 


Lucifer's  narrative.  27 

"  I  now  recollected  that  the  apostle  Paul,  in  the  days 
of  his  ministry,  often  assured  his  hearers  that  '  God 
created  all  things  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  intent  that 
now  unto  principalities  and  powers  in  heavenly  places 
might  be  known  jay  the  church  the  manifold  wisdom 
of  God,  according  to  the  eternal  purpose  which  he  pur- 
posed in  Christ.'  (Ephesians  iii.  9 — 11.)  1  now  un- 
derstood that  those  principalities  and  powers  in  heavenly 
places,  are  the  inhabitants  of  other  and  distant  worlds, 
to  whom  God  intends  fully  to  reveal  himself  by  means 
of  man's  redemption;  that  the  church,  that  part  of  it 
now  in  heaven,  is  employed  in  this  great  work  ;  and 
that  the  countless  multitudes  of  rational  beings  who 
inhabit  the  wide  universe  are  to  bow  the  knee  and 
render  adorations  to  the  incarnate  Messiah. 

"  It  was  now  plain  that  most  of  the  saints  on  earth 
'  see  through  a  glass  darkly '  with  respect  to  the  condi- 
tion of  those  who  have  died  in  the  Lord.  Many  sup- 
pose that  the  saints  who  have  gone  to  heaven  are  mere- 
ly employed  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  happiness  there, 
singing  anthems  of  praise  to  Jehovah,  and  rejoicing  in 
his  redemption.  I  had  often  wondered  myself  at  the 
ways  of  Providence  toward  the  church  below.  When 
I  saw  Jonathan  Edwards  called  away  in  the  prime  of 
life,  and  Lamed  plucked  from  his  pulpit  in  New 
Orleans  at  the  age  of  twenty-eight ;  when  I  saw  Corne- 
lius called  away  at  the  age  of  thirty-eight,  Wisner  at 
forty,  and  many  other  similar  cases,  I  have  wondered 
why  those  whose  labors  were  so  much  in  demand  in  the 
church  below,  should  be  so  early  removed.  But  now 
I  could  comprehend  it  all.  I  now  saw  that  important 
services  await  the  soldier  of  the  cross  when  called  to  go 


28  Lucifer's  narrative. 

up  higher  in  the  grand  army ;  and  that  while  the 
church  below  is  engaged  in  missions,  sending  out  her 
sons  to  the  dark  corners  of  the  earth  to  make  known 
the  tidings  of  salvation,  that  part  of  the  church  whicli 
is  in  heaven  is  engaged  in  missions  also,  on  a  larger 
scale,  and  her  sons  are  dispersed  abroad  through  the 
wide  creation,  making  known  to  principalities  and  pow- 
ers in  heavenly  places  the  manifold  wisdom  of  God." 

At  this  point  Lucifer  paused,  for  there  were  strange 
commotions  in  the  assembly  of  his  auditors.  Here  and 
there  among  the  fallen  cherubim  was  a  countenance 
singularly  blank.  Others  stood  aghast.  Some,  with 
open  hand  behind  the  ear,  were  leaning  forward  to  catch 
every  word  that  fell  from  the  lips  of  their  chief ;  others 
had  unconsciously  risen  to  their  feet,  and  appeared 
writhing  in  the  agonies  of  bitter  vexation  ;  while  from 
all  parts  of  the  hall  arose  a  confused  and  jarring  sound, 
like  murmurs  mingled  with  gnashing  of  teeth. 

"You  are  greatly  troubled,"  continued  Lucifer.  "  I 
knew  it  would  be  so.  But  I  have  shared  deeply  in  the 
bitterness  and  mortification  which  you  now  endure.  I 
frankly  declare  that  no  event  during  the  period  of  the 
patriarchs,  the  prophets,  or  the  apostles,  inflicted  on  my 
spirit  such  deep  anguish.  True  it  is,  I  was  greatly 
grieved  when  the  tribes  of  Israel  succeeded  in  passing 
the  wilderness  and  entered  Canaan.  I  was  greatly 
grieved  when  the  captive  Jews,  under  Ezra  and  Nehe- 
miah,  returned  from  Babylon  and  rebuilt  the  city  and 
their  temple.  I  was  greatly  grieved,  when,  under  the 
preaching  of  Peter,  thousands  of  my  subjects  deserted 
in  a  day,  and  became  believers  in  the  gospel.  But  the 
discoveries  now  made  of  the  extended  preparations,  that 


Lucifer's  narrative.  29 

are  in  progress,  to  have  the  inhabitants  of  distant 
worlds  become  acquainted  with  the  plan  of  man's  re- 
demption, and  bow  the  kne^  and  honor  the  Lamb  that 
was  slain,  rent  my  heart  with  intolerable  vexation  and 
enormons  woe,  exceeding  all  that  I  have  endured  since 
the  direful  day  when  our  routed  legions,  scorched  by 
the  red  lightning  of  the  Eternal,  were  forced  from 
heaven's  utmost  verge  to  take  the  dreadful  plunge  into 
the  burning  lake." 

Here  Lucifer  paused  again.  The  tide  of  maddening 
recollections  choked  his  utterance.  In  a  moment  or 
two,  however,  he  mastered  his  emotions,  and  proceeded. 

'•  The  unconquered  spirit  never  yields.  Hate,  re- 
venge, and  despair  are  our  leaders  in  this  unequal  war. 
I  determined  to  prosecute  my  original  design  with  all 
possible  vigor. 

"  Accordingly  I  left  the  neighborhood  of  this  remark- 
able monument,  to  seek  access  to  some  of  the  inhabitants. 
I  was  careful  to  have  my  whole  exterior  transformed 
into  the  likeness  of  some  spotless  angel.  The  face  of  the 
country  over  which  I  now  travelled  had  every  variety 
of  hill,  and  dale,  and  mountain  peak.  Here  was  the 
extended  velvet  lawn,  adorned  with  flowers  of  every  hue, 
that  seemed  to  possess  perpetual  bloom.  There  was  the 
bright  stream  that  meandered  and  murmured  along,  and 
there  was  the  craggy  steep,  towering  aloft,  its  summit 
crowned  with  the  stately  grove,  whose  branches,  bend- 
ing with  the  richest  fruit,  swung  and  bowed  in  obedi- 
ence to  the  breezes  of  heaven,  while  all  around  teemed 
with  active  life.  Insects  were  busy  among  the  flowers, 
flocks  and  herds  were  grazing  and  bounding  over  the 

fields,  birds  filled  the  groves  with  the  sweetest  melody, 
3# 


30  Lucifer's  narrative. 

while  the  dumb  fish  leaped  up  from  the  stream,  rejoicing 
in  the  consciousness  of  a  happy  existence. 

"  I  had  not  proceeded  far  before  an  assembled  mul- 
titude of  the  inhabitants  caught  my  eye.  They  v/ere 
collected  in  an  extended  grove,  the  trees  of  which  re- 
sembled the  palm  of  Palestine.  The  number  already 
on  the  ground  was  great,  and  new  accessions  were  con- 
stantly arriving.  It  seemed  that  valley,  hill,  and  moun- 
tain top  were  pouring  in  their  contributions.  It  was 
evidently  an  occasion  of  extraordinary  interest.  I  joined 
the  crowd  unobserved,  and  pressed  in  to  learn  the 
design  of  their  meeting  ;  when,  lo  !  on  an  elevated 
platform,  in  the  midst  of  the  assembly,  arose  the  glorified 
person  of  the  first  Adam  —  the  father  of  the  human 
race.  I  had  not  seen  him  for  near  five  thousand  years, 
and  though  in  many  respects  he  was  greatly  changed, 
yet  there  was  such  an  essential  sameness,  that  I  recog- 
nized him  at  once. 

"  The  sight  of  this  man,  at  this  unexpected  point  of 
time  and  place,  waked  up  vivid  recollections  of  the 
memorable  scenes  through  which  he  passed  soon  after 
his  creation.  When  I  first  succeeded  in  tempting  Adam 
to  transgress  the  commandments  of  God,  I  expected  to 
see  him  smitten  immediately  by  the  avenging  sword  of 
divine  wrath.  I  had  no  thought  but  that  sin  would  be 
instantly  followed  by  threatened  punishment.  With 
this  expectation  I  waited  in  the  bowers  of  Eden,  impa- 
tient to  witness  the  result.  Adam  and  his  wife  were 
now  abandoned  by  their  heavenly  guardians,  for  the 
ministering  angels  had  all  fled  from  Paradise  on  the 
first  entrance  of  sin.  I  saw  the  two  fallen  beings 
sewing  fig  leaves  together  in  order  to  cover  their  naked 


,» 


LUCIFER'S    NARRATIVE.  31 

bodies.  Presently  the  voice  of  the  Lord  was  heard 
walking  in  the  garden.  Terror  seized  them.  They 
fled,  and  endeavored  to  hide  themselves  among  the 
thick  trees.  I  thought  they  would  have  sunk  into  the 
earth  when  that  terrible  call  rung  in  their  ears,  '  Adam, 
where  art  thou  ?  ' 

"  Pale,  trembling,  covered  with  confusion  and  shame. 
I  saw  him  come  from  his  place  of  concealment,  and 
stand  before  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth.  A  gloom  that 
was  awful  seemed  gathering  over  the  entire  garden. 
Every  moment  I  expected  to  hear  the  irrevocable  doom 
pronounced ;  when  suddenly  a  light  of  celestial  mild- 
ness and  beauty  came  streaming,  it  seemed,  from  the 
very  throne  above,  and  a  heavenly  voice,  in  tones  of 
unparalleled  tenderness  and  benignity,  uttered  that  first 
promise,  that  Messiah  should  come,  and  man  should  be 
restored,  and  the  head  of  the  serpent  bruised.  The 
meaning  of  this  promise  I  but  imperfectly  compre- 
hended at  the  time  ;  though  I  felt  the  stunning  power 
of  huge  disappointment,  and  dreaded  what  that  promise 
seemed  to  imply.  After  a  moment  or  two,  I  glanced 
my  eye  towards  Adam,  and  distinctly  saw  in  his  visage 
the  kindlings  of  hope  coming  up  over  the  brow  of 
despair ;  while  Eve,  who  had  sunk  to  the  ground  by 
his  side,  now  lifted  up  her  eyes,  that  were  bathed  in 
tears,  with  a  look  of  astonishment  and  joy,  and  stretch- 
ing her  arms  toward  heaven,  exclaimed,  '  Redemption  ! 
redemption  ! '     But  I  will  not  dwell  on  these  recollec- 


tions now." 


32  ADAM. 


CHAPTER  III. 

ADAM. 

''In  the  midst  of  the  vast  assembly,"  said  Lucifer, 
"  which  I  have  described,  the  glorified  form  of  Adam 
now  stood.  As  soon  as  he  rose,  the  mighty  congrega- 
tion was  composed  and  still.  Every  eye  and  ear  were 
attentive. 

"  '  I  stand  before  you,'  said  he,  '  a  missionary  from  the 
church  of  the  first  born,  whose  names  are  written  in 
heaven.  I  came  to  make  known  to  you  the  manifold 
goodness  of  God,  as  disclosed  in  his  dealings  with 
man.'  The  language  in  which  he  spoke  was  that  first 
used  in  Paradise,  the  gift  of  God  to  man  at  h'w 
creation,  and  it  appeared  to  be  fully  understood  by  the 
audience  which  he  now  addressed. 

"  Adam  now  went  on  to  describe  the  primitive  state 
of  man,  how  he  was  made  in  the  image  of  God,  and 
'but  a  little  lower  than  the  angels.'  He  spoke  of  the 
beauties  of  Eden  in  the  liveliest  terms  ;  of  the  benedic- 
tion of  God,  that  rested  so  richly  on  this  first  dwelling- 
place  of  man  ;  told  of  the  serenity  and  innocence  that 
reigned  in  his  own  bosom  ,•  and  how  the  friendly  angels 
came  on  frequent  visits  to  his  bower,  rejoicing  in 
those  new-made  works  of  God,  and  delighting  him 
with  the  rehearsal  of  heavenly  scenes  and  heavenly 
history. 


ADAM.  33 

*'  Here  he  asked  leave  to  reheai-se  the  favorite  an- 
tlicni  that  he  used  to  sing  in  Paradise  in  the  worship 
of  Jehovah.  I  shall  not  attempt  to  repeat  it  now.  But 
its  eflect  on  the  audience  was  powerful ;  and  it  re- 
minded me  of  those  early  songs  in  the  world  above, 
while  cherubim  and  seraphim  as  yet  were' young,  and 
celebrated  the  honors  of  the  Author  of  their  being. 

"  At  this  point,  Adam  made  a  deep  pause,  and  seemed 
reluctant  to  proceed.  At  length  he  smote  upon  his 
breast,  and  entered  upon  the  narrative  of  his  fall.  He 
described  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil ; 
spoke  of  the  serpent  and -the  manner  of  the  tempta- 
tion, but  took  the  blame  and  guilt  of  his  rebellion 
wholly  on  himself  He  then  told  of  the  gradual  un- 
folding of  the  plan  of  redemption.  He  rehearsed  the 
first  promise  ;  described  the  altars  erected  by  the  divine 
command  ;  told  of  the  blood  of  the  victims  sprinkled 
there  ;  and  how,  while  the  sacrifice  was  burning  on  the 
altar,  and  the  smoke  ascending  high,  the  pious  wor- 
shipper stood  and  prayed  for  the  forgiveness  of  his 
sins  through  the  great  atonement  thus  typically  set 
forth." 

At  this  moment,  a  Demon  started  up  in  a  distant  part 
of  the  assembly,  and  asked  leave  to  make  an  inquiry. 
The  form  of  his  visage  was  peculiarly  fierce  and  stern. 
Destruction  seemed  imprinted  on  his  brow,  and  his 
hands  and  the  whole  length  of  his  arms  had  a  strange 
bloody  hue,  the  sight  of  which  caused  the  hair  to  rise 
on  my  head,  and  sent  a  chill  of  horror  that  quivered 
through  every  vein;  while  in  his  eye  there  was  a 
wrathful  fiery  flash,  which  gave  assurance  that  this  was 
the  Demon  of  Murder. 


34  ADAM. 

"  I  wish  to  ask,"  said  he,  "  if  your  majesty  saw  Abel 
in  company  with  his  father,  Adam." 

"  Abel,"  said  Lucifer,  "  no :  I  did  not  see  Abel.  Why 
do  you  inquire  for  Abel?  " 

"Because,"  said  the  Demon,  "  it  was  through  my 
influence  and  instigation  that  Abel  was  killed  by  Cain, 
his  brother." 

"  Mention  the  circumstances,  if  you  wish,"  said  Lu- 
cifer. 

"No  instance  of  death,"  said  the  Demon,  "had  as 
•yet  taken  place  in  Adam's  family.  I  had  no  idea  of 
the  immortality  of  the  soul,  or  that  it  could  exist  sep- 
arate from  the  body.  I  had  seen  beasts  die  of  disease. 
I  had  also  seen  them  killed  by  the  wolf,  the  tiger,  and 
the  lion.  And  I  thought  that  death  to  man  would  be 
annihilation,  as  to  the  beasts  that  perish.  And  I  felt 
the  unfoldings  of  a  new  malignant  delight  at  the 
thought  of  blotting  men  out  of  existence,  and  plung- 
ing them  forever  into  the  gulf  of  annihilation.  Ac- 
cordingly, when  I  saw  Cain  incensed  and  furious 
because  his  brother's  offering  was  accepted,  while  his 
own  was  not,  I  urged  him  to  take  vengeance  for  the 
imaginary  wrong  he  had  sustained,  by  falhng  on  Abel 
with  violence  and  beating  him  to  death.  But  judge  of 
my  disappointment  and  surprise,  when  instantly  after 
the  fatal  blow  was  given,  I  beheld  the  spirit  of  Abel 
strangely  disengage  itself  from  the  body  now  in  ruins, 
and  stand  up,  possessed  of  a  holy  and  happy  existence 
in  a  separate  state.  The  robe  in  which  he  was  now 
arrayed  was  exceedingly  beautiful,  but  at  the  same 
time  essentially  unlike  any  thing  I  had  ever  seen  before. 
I  afterwards  learned  that  it  was  the  robe  of  the  Re- 


ADAiM.  35 

deemer's  righteousness,  of  whom  his  accepted  sacrifice 
was  a  type,  and  could  be  worn  by  none  but  the  re- 
deemed from  the  earth.  He  was  immediately  sur- 
rounded by  ministering  angels,  many  of  whom  I  had 
seen  and  known  in  heaven,  before  heaven  by  us  was 
lost.  I  soon  learned  from  their  conversation,  that  they 
had  come  to  carry  the  ransomed  spirit  of  Abel  up  to 
live  with  God  in  glory. 

'•As  they  began  to  rise  from  the  earth,  the  spirit  of 
Abel  appeared  to  be  transported  with  joy  unspeakable, 
and  full  of  glory.  He  commenced  singing  a  new  song. 
It  was  the  song  of  redemption.  The  ministering  an- 
gels, to  whom  also  it  was  perfectly  new,  listened  in 
silent,  deep  attention,  while  his  single  voice  hymned 
the  notes  of  victory  over  sin,  and  death,  and  hell, 
through  the  promised  Messiah.  Stung  with  disap- 
pointment and  rage,  I  determined  to  the  utmost  to 
resist  his  upward  flight.  I  put  on  the  form  of  a  huge, 
hideous  night-raven,  and  set  out  in  the  pursuit.  Some- 
times, as  they  ascended,  I  pressed  close  upon  their 
train,  with  such  harsh,  horrible  croaking  as  I  had 
learned  in  bottomless  perdition.  Sometimes,  in  dark 
irregular  circles  I  fluttered  round  them,  and  then  again 
shot  ahead,  and  flapped  my  black  enormous  wings 
right  in  their  pathway ;  but  nothing  could  impede  his 
upward  progress.  He  seemed  borne  along  by  an 
invisible,  resistless  power.  I  persisted  in  my  eflbrts  at 
annoyance  until  we  began  to  approach  the  celestial 
city.  But  when  I  saw  the  gate  of  glory  open,  and  the 
light  inefl'able  came  streaming  from  within,  and  espe- 
cially when  I  began  to  hear  the  anthems  of  the  happy 
multitudes  around  the  throne,  I  paused  in  the  pursuit, 


36  ADAM. 

and  wheeled  in  the  opposite  direction.  Such  bitter 
recollections  were  waked  np  of  all  that  had  been  lost 
by  our  rebellion,  that,  like  a  burning  meteor  flashing 
out  the  fires  of  vexation  and  despair,  I  shot  down  the 
steeps  of  night,  and  plunged  into  the  darkness  and  the 
depths  of  hell." 

Here  one  of  the  chiefs  of  the  assembly  spoke.  "  Is 
it  the  pleasure  of  your  majesty  to  be  interrupted  thus 
in  your  narrative  ?  " 

"  It  is,"  said  Lucifer,  with  much  firmness  of  man- 
ner. "It  is  my  pleasure  that  all  the  members  of  this 
council  shall  exercise  the  utmost  freedom  in  propound- 
ing a  question  or  introducing  a  remark.  The  fact  is, 
I  have  called  this  meeting  for  the  edification  and  train- 
ing of  my  associates  in  the  war  against  heaven.  We 
are  entering  upon  a  new  era.  The  great  contest 
between  light  and  darkness  is  about  to  put  on  a  new 
aspect.  Since  the  dispersion  of  man  from  the  tower 
of  Babel,  large  bodies  of  the  hosts  of  hell  have  been 
employed,  almost  exclusively,  in  heathen  lands.  Their 
employment  has  been  in  promoting  and  extending 
idolatry,  and  encouraging  those  forms  of  wickedness 
that  are  practised  in  heathen  nations.  They  have  had 
little  or  no  experience  in  combating  the  church,  or 
resisting  the  advances  of  revealed  truth.  But  now 
the  Bible  is  going  every  where.  The  missionary,  the 
Sabbath,  the  church,  are  finding  their  way  among  all 
nations. 

"  All  the  powers  of  darkness  must  now  come  in  con- 
tact with  the  church,  and  it  is  my  plan  to  have  them 
properly  disciplined  and  prepared  for  this  mighty  con- 
flict.   While,  therefore,  I  relate  what  I  have  been  doing, 


ADAM.  37 

it  is  my  design  that  all  my  coadjutors  who  liave,  in 
ages  past,  had  conflicts  with  patriarchs,  prophets,  apos- 
tles, or  the  church  of  God  in  any  of  its  branches, 
shall  relate  their  experience  too,  for  the  general  instruc- 
tion of  the  armies  of  hell,  in  the  warfare  in  which  all 
must  soon  engage.  My  design  is,  that  facts  shall  be 
communicated  in  a  manner  that  is  clear,  calm,  and  ac- 
curate. Fallen  angels  are  all  leagued  in  one  cause. 
We  have  no  motive  to  deceive  each  other,  though  we 
practise  deception  on  men.  I  Avish  facts  to  be  under- 
stood by  all. 

"  The  skilful  advocate  who  undertakes  to  manage  a 
cause  that  is  dark  and  difficult,  wishes  first  to  know 
the  real  facts  of  the  case,  without  coloring  ;  then  he 
knows  how  to  employ  his  talents. 

"  I  wish  all  the  hosts  of  hell  to  know  the  truth,  that 
they  may  be  the  better  able  to  disguise  the  truth ;  to 
counterfeit  the  truth  ;  to  war  against  the  truth." 

Here  the  members  of  the  great  council  looked  one 
upon  another,  bowing,  and  signifying  their  cordial  ac- 
quiescence, while  the  demon  who  had  just  spoken 
addressed  the  chief :  — 

"  Your  majesty's  plan  is  profoundly  wise,  and  worthy 
of  its  author  ;  but  we  are  impatient  to  hear  your  narra- 
tive ;  and  for  this  cause  I  asked  the  question." 

"  I  will  proceed,  then,"  said  Lucifer,  "  without  delay. 
In  the  address  of  Adam,  of  which  I  was  speaking, 
there  were  several  items  which  I  wish  to  relate  to  you. 
He  told  how  the  pestilence  of  sin  spread  among  all  his 
descendants  ;  how,  without  exception,  they  went  astray 
from  God  '  as  soon  as  they  were  born.'  He  went  on  to 
describe  the  setting  up  of  the  terrible  empire  of  death, 
4 


38  ADAM. 

and  the  legion  of  diseases  that  arc  in  league  with  him. 
He  told  of  fever,  consumption,  and  the  spotted  plague. 
He  spoke  of  red-handed  war,  gaunt  famine,  '  the  pesti- 
lence that  walketh  in  darkness,  and  the  destruction  that 
wasteth  at  noonday.'  He  drew  a  picture  of  the  mon- 
ster Death,  mounted  on  his  pale  horse,  marshalling  the 
dreadful  armies  under  his  command ;  while  his  prog- 
ress through  the  terrified  and  trembling  earth  might 
be  traced  by  the  shroud,  the  new-made  coffin,  and  the 
yawning  grave,  and  the  sound  that  accompanied  his 
going,  like  the  inscription  on  the  roll  that  the  prophet 
saw,  was  'lamentation,  mourning,  and  woe.' 

"  Death  reigned,"  he  exclaimed,  "  from  Adam  to  Mo- 
ses, and  from  Moses  to  the  time  of  Christ.  No  tyrant 
of  earth  ever  swayed  the  sceptre  over  such  a  multitude 
of  subjects.  Smiling  infancy,  blooming  youtli,  stately 
manhood,  and  venerable  age,  were  all  forced  to  bow  to 
his  awful  supremacy.  He  found  his  way  into  the  cot- 
tages of  the  poor,  the  habitations  of  the  careful,  and  the 
palaces  of  the  great.  The  monarch  on  his  throne,  and 
the  prisoner  in  the  dungeon,  alike  shrunk  back  at  his 
approach.  He  was  to  my  fallen  family  the  King  of 
Terrors.  '  O  Death  !  Death  !  how  dark  and  how 
gloomy,  how  unpitying  and  relentless,  is  thy  tremen- 
dous sway  !  '  Here  Adam  paused  in  his  address.  His 
emotions  were  too  strong  for  utterance.  After  a  mo- 
ment or  two,  however,  he  continued  thus  :  — 

"  'Long  did  I  look,  with  most  earnest  expectation,  for 
the  coming  of  the  promised  Messiah.  Century  after 
century  rolled  by,  while  I  waited  for  his  appearing. 
But  God's  ways  are  above  the  ways  of  man,  as  the 
heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth.'  " 


ADAM.  ^9 

Here  one  of  the  princes  of  the  assembly  arose  to 
make  an  inquiry.     Lucifer  paused,  that  he  might  speak. 

"  I  wished  to  inquire,"  said  the  prince,  "  whether 
Adam  confirmed  the  opinion,  that  at  the  birth  of  his 
eldest  son,  the  parents  tliought  he  was  the  promised 
Blessiah.  You  know  that  the  language  of  Eve,  when 
Cain  was  born,  '  I  have  gotten  a  man  from  the  Lord,' 
or,  as  it  is  in  the  Hebrew,  '  I  have  gotten  a  man,  the 
Lord,'  has  led  many  to  suppose  that  she  thought  this 
wa,s  the  promised  Savior." 

"  Adam  did  not  touch  that  subject  now,"  answered 
Lucifer  ;  "  but  I  remember  the  circumstance  exceeding- 
ly well.  Eve  had  been  powerfully  impressed  with  the 
first  great  promise.  Her  thoughts  were  daily,  indeed  I 
may  say  hourly,  engaged  in  searching  out  its  import. 
*  The  seed  of  the  woman  shall  bruise  the  serpent's 
head,'  was  the  theme  of  her  meditation  from  month  to 
month.  And  when  her  eldest  son  was  born,  she  gazed 
with  wonder  and  joy  on  this  immortal  man  in  minia- 
ture. Her  hopes  were  indeed  very  high  ;  how  high 
they  soared  I  cannot  exactly  say  ;  but  when  Cain,  by 
rude  and  wicked  conduct,  disappointed  her,  and  she 
found  her  hopes  were  vain,  she  called  her  next  son 
Abel,  signifying  vanity,  or  disappointment.  But  Adam 
said  nothing  on  the  subject  now." 

"  I  wished  also  to  inquire,"  said  the  prince,  "if  Adam 
spoke  of  the  translation  of  Enoch." 

"  He  did,"  said  Lucifer,  "  with  much  point  and 
clearness,  though  it  took  place  after  Adam's  removal 
from  earth.  But  tlie  event  was  witnessed  by  all  the 
redeemed." 

"  I  am  anxious  to  know,"  said  the  prince,  "  what 
reasons  he  gave  for  that  strange  dispensation." 


40  ADAM. 

"  He  mentioned,"  said  Lucifer,  "  tliat  tliree  great 
objects  were  accomplished  by  the  translation  of  Enoch 
at  that  time. 

"  1st.  It  established,  in  the  view  of  men,  the  doctrine 
of  a  future  state.  Enoch  was  pious,  eminently  pious, 
in  the  midst  of  a  crooked  and  perverse  world.  His 
translation  was  public.  It  took  place  in  the  presence 
of  an  immense  congregation,  and  showed  them  that 
man  is  a  candidate  for  another  world  ;  that  his  exist- 
ence does  not  end  with  his  life  on  earth. 

"2d.  As  Enoch  M'-as  taken,  soul  and  body  united,  to 
the  world  of  glory,  it  established  the  doctrine  that 
there  is  redemption  for  the  hodij  as  well  as  the  soul 
through  the  Messiah.  Thus  the  hope  of  a  resurrection 
was  brought  to  view  at  that  early  day.     And, 

"  3d.  He  said  that  the  translation  of  Enoch  was 
designed  to  give  the  angels  in  heaven  one  perfect 
sample  of  redeemed  humanity.  Tlie  angels  clesired  to 
look  into  the  work  of  redemption.  They  were  ap- 
pointed to  be  ministering  spirits,  sent  forth  to  minister 
for  them  who  shall  be  heirs  of  salvation  ;  and  yet  they 
could  '  see  but  in  part,  and  know  but  in  part,'  what  God 
designed  in  reference  to  man.  By  the  talking  of  Enoch, 
soul  and  body,  to  glory,  and  the  placing  of  him  in  the 
very  midst  of  the  Paradise  of  God,  at  this  early  day, 
all  the  holy  angels  had  a  beautiful  sample  of  perfect 
redemption  set  before  them,  and  they  could  now  form 
correct  anticipations  of  what  the  Redeemer's  kingdom 
shall  he,  when,  from  all  kindreds  and  people  under 
heaven,  multitudes,  which  no  man  can  number,  shall 
be  brought  home  to  God.  Such,"  said  Lucifer,  •'  was 
the  statement  given  by  Adam  concerning  the  design 
of  Enoch's  translation," 


ADAM.  41 

The  prince  who  had  asked  the  question  bowed,  and 
resumed  his  seat,  as  if  satisfied  with  the  answer ;  and 
Lucifer  resumed  his  rehearsal  of  Adam's  address. 

" '  Yes,'  said  Adam,  '  God's  ways  are  above  our 
ways,  as  the  heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth.  Hav- 
ing waited  long  for  the  coming  of  the  Messiah,  my 
protracted  life,  at  length,  drew  to  a  close,  and  I  was 
called  to  leave  earth  and  join  the  general  assembly  of 
the  church  of  the  first  born  in  heaven.  After  my 
reception  into  heaven,  I  still  waited,  with  the  liveliest 
interest,  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  great  promise. 
The  saints  in  heaven,  the  great  cloud  of  witnesses, 
have  much  intercourse  with  earth.  They  see  and 
know  with  perfect  accuracy  all  that  is  transacting 
there.  And  while  the  pestilence  of  sin  was  spreading 
throngh  the  world,  with  the  spreading  population,  and 
while  that  fell  destroyer,  Death,  was  turning  the  earth 
into  one  vast  graveyard  for  my  fallen  family,  O,  with 
what  intense  desire  did  I  look  for  the  appearance  of 
that  strong  Deliverer,  who  should  conquer  sin,  and 
death,  and  hell !  In  the  mean  time,  the  ministering 
angels  were  bringing  up  from  earth  to  the  world  of 
glory  the  ransomed  souls  of  patriarchs,  and  prophets, 
and  holy  men  who  had  believed  the  promise  of  God, 
and  lived  and  died  in  the  faith  of  the  coming  Messiah. 

"  '  The  circle  of  worshippers,'  continued  Adam, 
'  around  the  divine  throne,  who  stood  on  the  great 
platform  of  the  atonement,  and  were  arrayed  in  the 
robes  of  a  Redeemer's  righteousness,  now  contained  a 
multitude  which  no  man  could  number;  bnt  our  title 
to  heaven  was  not  yet  complete,  for  the  great  atone- 
ment was  not  yet  made.  We  had  been  pardoned  and 
4* 


42  ADAM. 

taken  to  glory,  in  virtue  of  the  covenant  engagement 
of  the  Son  of  God,  that  he  would  magnify  and  honor 
the  broken  law,  and  atone  for  sin  in  the  fulness  of 
time  ;  but  it  was  not  given  to  us  to  know  the  times 
and  tlie  seasons,  and  the  stupendous  work  had  not  yet 
been  done.  The  immortal  interest,  therefore,  on  this 
great  subject,  that  pervaded  the  whole  multitude  of  the 
redeemed,  can  be  more  easily  conceived  than  told. 

"  '  And  now,'  said  he, '  four  thousand  years  had  been 
completed  since  the  entrance  of  sin  and  death  into  the 
world  ;  when,  lo !  the  proclamation  is  made  in  heaven 
that  the  great  Emanuel  was  about  to  put  on  the  form 
of  a  servant,  and  finish  the  work  the  Father  had  given 
him  to  do.  And  that  day,  when  he  laid  aside  his 
robes  of  glory,  and  the  bright  crown  he  wore  above, 
and  descended  to  earth,  to  save  them  that  were  lost,  O, 
that  day,  — it  will  be  celebrated  in  the  world  of  glory, 
as  a  high  anniversary  through  eternal  years. 

"  '  In  the  plenitude  of  God's  abounding  mercy,  I  was 
commissioned  to  be  the  bearer  of  the  joyful  news  to 
earth.  Yes,  it  was  divinely  appointed  that  the  first 
Adam,  who  had  lost  all  by  sin,  should  be  the  messenger 
to  inform  his  perishing  children  of  the  arrival  of  the 
second  Adam,  to  repair  the  ruins  of  the  fall.  I  did  not 
go  alone  ;  all  the  redeemed  from  the  earth,  that  were 
now  in  glory,  were  directed  to  accompany  me. 

"  '  It  was  in  Bethlehem  of  Judea  that  the  Savior  had 
chosen  first  to  appear.  There  were  shepherds  abiding 
in  the  field,  keeping  watch  over  their  flocks  by  night. 
I  approached  in  the  form  of  an  angel  of  the  Lord,  and 
the  glory  of  the  Lord  shone  all  around  them.  They 
were  afraid.    I  called  to  them,  "  Fear  not,  for,  behold,  I 


ADAM.  43 

bring  to  you  good  tidings  of  great  joy,  which  shall  be 
to  all  people  ;  for  unto  us*  is  born  this  day,  in  the  city 
of  David,  a  Savior,  which  is  Christ  the  Lord."  No 
sooner  had  I  made  this  blessed  proclamation,  than  all 
the  multitude  of  the  redeemed  came  clustering  round 
me,  singing,  with  celestial  rapture,  "  Glory  to  God  in 
the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will  to  men."  '  " 

Here,  a  demon  suddenly  started  up,  whose  name  I 
could  not  learn  ;  but  he  seemed  one  of  the  principal  per- 
sonages of  the  council,  and,  interrupting  Lucifer,  he 
exclaimed,  with  a  fluttered  and  troubled  air,  — 

"  How  ?  How  do  you  say  ?  Why,  I  was  present  on 
that  night.  I  heard  the  announcement  made  to  the 
shepherds  of  Bethlehem.  I  saw  the  messenger.  He 
was  indeed  very  glorious.  But  I  thought  certainly  this 
was  one  of  the  heavenly  angels,  who  kept  their  first 
estate,  and  whose  original  brightness  had  never  been 
sullied  or  eclipsed  by  sin.  Did  your  majesty  say  that 
this  radiant  messenger,  who  came  to  the  shepherds  in 
the  very  effulgence  of  heaven  itself,  was  the  redeemed 
soul  of  the  first  Adam  ? " 

Lucifer.    Such  was  his  statement. 

Demon.  And  the  shining  multitude  of  the  heavenly 
host,  that  clustered  around  him  and  sung  rapturous 
anthems  to  God,  did  you  say  it  was  composed  of  patri- 
archs and  prophets,  and  holy  men  of  Adam's  race,  who 
had  died  in  faith,  and  were  already  in  glory  ? 

Lucifer.    So  he  said. 

♦  In  some  old  manuscripts  of  the  Gospel  by  Luke,  the  language 
of  the  angel  is,  "unto  us,"  instead  of  "unto  you,"  as  in  common 
copies.  This  led  some  of  the  fathers  to  suppose  that  this  angel  was  a 
glorified  human  soul,  and  likely  the  first  Adam.     (Luke  ii.  8 — 14.) 


44 


ADAM. 


Demon.  Confusion,  frustration,  and  defeat  attend 
us  !  Why,  it  appears  that  Adam  and  all  his  descendants, 
who  have  believed  in  Christ,  are  raised,  by  his  redemp- 
tion, to  a  station  far  more  exalted,  safe,  and  happy,  than 
that  which  he  lost  in  Paradise. 

Lucifer.    It  looks  like  it. 

Demon.  And  their  anthem  plainly  implied  that  the 
plan  of  redemption  through  Christ,  while  it  brings 
peace  and  good  will  to  man,  at  the  same  time  brings 
the  highest  glory  to  God. 

Lucifer.    It  did. 

'•  Precisely  so  !  "  cried  a  loud,  excited  voice  from  a 
distant  part  of  the  assembly ;  but  I  could  not  see  the 
speaker.  "  Precisely  so  it  is  understood  by  the  church 
on  earth.  So  they  preach,  so  they  pray,  and  so  they 
sing.  Often  have  I  heard  the  assembled  congregation, 
in  the  sanctuary,  join  all  their  voices  to  swell  the  strain 
of  praise  in  the  seventy-second  Psalm,  where  that  doc- 
trine is  plainly  taught.  And  I  have  marked  the  peculiar 
animation  Avith  which  they  would  sing  the  following 
stanza,  referring  to  the  kingdom  of  Christ :  — 

"  Where  he  displays  his  healing  power, 
Death  and  the  curse  are  known  no  more  ; 
In  him  the  tribes  of  Adam  boast 
More  blessings  than  their  father  lost." 

"  Confusion,  frustration,  and  defeat !  "  exclaimed  the 
demon. 

"  Why,"  said  he,  turning  to  Lucifer,  "  when  your 
majesty  returned  from  Eden,  and  brought  us  the  news 
that  the  temptation  had  succeeded,  and  man  had  fallen 
into  sin,  all  hell  kept  jubilee.  We  calculated  of  a  surety 
that  God  was  over-matched  and  grievously  disappointed, 


ADAM.  45 

and  that  man  was  ruined  beyond  remedy.  O,  that  an- 
cient oracle  !  1  always  feared  it  contained  some  ter- 
rible import.  Bruise  the  serpenVs  head.  Bruised, 
indeed,  should  it  turn  out,  in  the  end,  that  Jehovah, 
by  redemption,  is  more  glorified,  and  believers  raised 
higher  in  knowledge,  holiness,  and  happiness,  than  if 
man  in  primitive  innocency  had  never  been  assailed  by 
the  malignant  devices  of  an  apostate  angel." 

Here  he  stopped  short,  for  the  whole  frame  of  Lu- 
cifer was  agitated  and  convulsed  with  the  most  violent 
emotions.  Shame,  madness,  horror,  alternately  stared 
through  his  visage.  He  stamped  furiously  on  the 
ground,  and,  wielding  his  enormous  arm,  with  the 
speed  of  lightning  he  smote  tlie  rocky  vault  of  the 
cavern  a  blow  which  caused  the  entire  mountain  to 
reel  and  rock  on  its  deep  foundations.  The  paroxysm, 
however,  was  brief.  In  a  very  few  moments,  he  had 
entirely  regained  his  composure,  and  proceeded  in  his 
narrative. 

"  Adam,"  said  he,  "  next  went  on  to  rehearse  the 
living  interest  with  which  the  disembodied  saints  hung 
over  the  pathway  of  the  Redeemer  as  he  carried  for- 
ward the  mighty  work  of  redemption.  He  spoke  of 
his  example,  his  preaching,  his  miracles.  He  dwelt  at 
considerable  length  on  the  resurrection  of  Lazarus,  and 
the  circumstances  of  Christ's  transfiguration.  On  this 
last  subject  he  remarked,  that  the  depth  of  Messiah's 
humiliation  was  so  wonderful  that  eminent  saints  on 
earth  were  astonished,  and  their  faith  wavered. 

"  John  the  Baptist,  one  of  the  wisest  and  best  of 
men,  was  so  alfected  by  the  lowly  condition  of  his 
Master,   that  he  sent  two  of  his  disciples,  and  asked 


46  ADAM. 

him,  '  Art  thou  he  that  should  come,  or  do  we  look  for 
another  ? ' 

"  Nor  was  this  amazement  at  the  deep  things  of  God 
confined  to  the  earth.  The  great  company  of  the 
redeemed  on  high  were  filled  with  astonishment  and 
solicitude,  when  they  saw  that  the  stupendous  work 
of  their  eternal  redemption  depended  on  one  now  in 
the  form  of  a  servant  ;  a  man  of  sorrows,  despised  and 
rejected  of  men.  Well  was  it  known  that,  should  the 
Mediator  fail  to  meet  the  claims  of  divine  justice  at  the 
awful  hour  appointed,  their  title  to  heaven  and  glory 
failed  forever.  When  the  period  drew  nigh,  there  was 
deep  and  earnest  consultation  among  all  the  patriarchs, 
the  prophets,  and  the  ransomed  souls  in  glory.  It  was 
determined  to  send  a  delegation  of  their  own  body 
down  to  converse  with  Christ  concerning  his  death 
which  he  should  accomplish  at  Jerusalem.  Moses  and 
Elias  were  chosen  for  this  important  mission.  (Luke 
ix.  28 — 31.)  They  descended  to  earth,  and  appeared 
in  glory  to  Christ  and  his  disciples,  on  the  mount  of 
transfiguration.  There,  in  terms  of  heavenly  eloquence, 
they  presented  to  the  Redeemer  the  immortal  interest 
that  thrilled  all  the  multitude  of  the  redeemed,  in  view 
of  the  scenes  of  suffering  on  which  he  was  soon  to 
enter.  '  This  interview  with  Moses  and  Elias,'  said 
Adam,  '  was  vastly  important  in  its  connection.'  But 
when  he  came  to  speak  of  the  scene  in  Gethsemane, 
he  made  some  things  plain  which  I  had  never  under- 
stood before.  The  evangelist  Luke,  in  describing  the 
sufferings  of  the  Redeemer,  mentions,  that  while  in  the 
garden,  when  his  soul  was  in  an  agony,  and  his  sweat, 
as  it  were,  great  drops  of  blood  falling  to  the  ground, 


ADA5I.  47 

there  "appeared  an   angel  from  heaven   strengthening 
him."    (Luke  xxii,  43.) 

"  Strengthening  him !  strengthening  him  !  "  ejacu- 
lated a  tall,  fierce-looking  spirit  of  darkness,  who  now- 
stepped  forward  in  front  of  the  speaker.  I  understood 
that  he  was  one  who  had  been  chiefly  employed 
among  the  heathen  tribes,  ever  since  the  dispersion  of 
man  from  the  tower  of  Babel,  and  that  in  no  age  of  the 
world  had  he  been  much  in  contact  Math  the  church 
of  God.  "  Strengthening  him  !  "  he  repeated,  with  an 
air  at  once  resolute  and  inquiring :  "  why,  I  thought 
that  the  Redeemer  was  divine.  How,  then,  could  a 
created  angel  strengthen  him?  " 

Lucifer.  That  passage  has  been  thought  by  many 
commentators  to  be  very  difficult.  And  some  of  the 
early  fathers  thought  it  dishonorable  to  Christ,  and 
supposed  it  must  be  an  interpolation  of  some  unskilful 
transcriber  of  the  Gospels  at  an  early  day.  They  were 
consequently  disposed  to  have  it  expunged  from  the 
copies  of  the  New  Testament.  But  I  assure  you, 
Adam  set  it  in  a  light  that  was  plain  and  powerful. 

"  How  ? "  "  How  ?  "  "  How  ?  "  was  now  eagerly 
called  out,  from  every  part  of  the  assembly.  "  We 
should  be  glad  to  hear  what  consistent  explanation 
could  be  given  of  such  a  passage." 

"Well,"  said  Lucifer,  "he  stated  that  the  Messiah 
had  a  true  and  proper  humajiity,  as  well  as  a  true  and 
proper  divinity.  He  said,  '  Such  are  the  laws  of  the 
human  mind,  that  it  is  deeply  affected  by  important 
truth,  when  brought  clearly  and  closely  before  it. 
Thus  the  general  at  the  head  of  an  army,  though  he 
is  aware  that  perhaps  every  soldier    under   his   com- 


48  ADAM. 

mand  has  a  general  knowledge  of  the  causes  of  the 
war,  yet  on  the  eve  of  battle  he  makes  them  an  earnest 
and  eloquent  address,  that  each  man  may  go  into  the 
engagement,  with  the  motives  to  valor  and  to  victory 
fully  before  his  mind.  Thus  also  the  minister  of  the 
gospel  holds  up  its  everlasting  truths  before  the  minds 
of  his  hearere ;  that  truth  may  produce  its  impression, 
though  he  is  aware  that  to  many  of  his  hearers  tho.se 
things  are  well  known,  and  have  been  heard  before 
perhaps  a  thousand  times.  Now,'  he  observed,  '  the  hu- 
manity of  Christ  was  in  many  respects  like  other  men.' 
He  illustrated  it  thus :  *  Christ  knew  that  Lazarus  was 
dead  four  days  before  he  came  to  Bethany.  But  when 
he  arrived  there,  and  saw  Martha  weeping,  and  Mary 
weeping,  and  the  large  circle  of  friends  around  them 
weeping,  "Jesus  wept^  His  humanity  was  deeply 
affected  by  the  mournful  insignia  of  death  brought 
thus  impressively  before  him.  '  Now,'  said  Adam, 
*■  when  the  Mediator  in  the  garden  stood  in  room  of 
guilty  man,  the  flood-gates  of  God's  fearful  displeasure 
against  sin  were  opened  upon  him.  The  tide  of  his 
sufferings  comes  stronger  and  heavier.  Billow  after 
billow  of  fiery  wrath  rolled  over  him,  while  on  the  top 
of  Sinai  stood  eternal  Justice,  flaming  with  indigna- 
tion against  sin,  hurling  ten  thousand  thunders  on  his 
spotless  soul. 

"  '  He  "  was  in  agony."  He  offered  up  '^strong  cries 
and  tears."  ''His  soul  was  exceeding  sorrowful,  even 
unto  death. "  His  humanity  was  like  to  be  crushed  under 
the  tremendous  load.  It  was  now  he  was  approached 
by  a  mighty  angel,  one  of  the  princes  of  a  great  hier- 
archy  in   heaven.     That  angel   held   up    before    his 


ADAM.  49 

humanity,  how  the  wisdom  and  truth,  the  mercy  and 
justice,  of  God  would  be  glorified  in  the  highest  by  the 
sorrows  which  now  he  bore  ;  how  all  the  saints  already 
in  glory  would  have  their  title  to  heaven  made  good 
forever  by  his  atonement  ;  how  liberty  to  the  captive, 
and  life  from  the  dead,  would  be  preached  in  his  name 
to  the  generations  of  men,  as  long  as  the  sun  and 
moon  shall  endure  ;  how  the  city  of  God  would  be 
peopled  with  ransomed  multitudes,  which  no  man  can 
number,  wearing  crowns  of  life,  and  waving  palms  of 
victory ;  how  the  new  song  of  redeeming  grace  and 
dying  love  would  transcend  all  the  anthems  of  the 
heavenly  world  ;  how  the  glory  of  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Ghost,  would  be  spread  over  the  plains  of  eternity, 
and  the  whole  creation  would  ascribe  hosannas  and 
hallelujahs  to  the  Lamb  that  was  slain,  through  inter- 
minable ages.  Now,  by  the  contemplation  of  these 
immortal  truths,  in  that  dark  and  dreadful  hour,  his 
humanity  was  strengthened,  and  "  for  the  joy  that  was 
set  before  Aiw,"  (Heb.  xii.  2,)  he  endured  those  weighty 
sorrows  that  would  have  crushed  a  thousand  worlds."  " 

Here  Lucifer  made  a  deep  pause.  The  spirits  of 
darkness  looked  one  upon  another  in  profound  silence. 
There  was  an  anxious  and  troubled  agitation  in  every 
countenance  ;  but  their  lips  appeared  to  be  sealed,  and 
their  tongues  to  cleave  to  the  roof  of  their  mouths. 
After  the  lapse  of  four  or  five  minutes,  it  was  asked  by 
one,  in  a  low  and  subdued  tone  of  voice,  — 

"Did  Adam  speak  of  Calvary?"' 

"  Speak  of  Calvary  !  "  said  Lucifer  :  "  surely  he  did  ; 
and  his  speech   fully  convinced  me   tliat   the  departed 
saints,  who  were  so  deeply  concerned  in  the  work  the 
5 


50  ADAM. 

Mediator  Avas  now  accomplishing,  were  constant  and 
earnest  spectators  during  his  whole  earthly  history. 
Yes,  he  spoke  of  Judas,  of  Herod,  and  of  Pilate,  and 
the  scenes  in  the  hall  of  the  Jewish  high  priest." 

"Of  Judas!  of  Judas!"  was  now  called  out  from 
every  part  of  the  assembly.  "  Tell  us  what  view  he 
gave  of  the  character  of  Judas." 

"The  character  of  Judas,"  continued  Lucifer,  "has 
long  been  a  fruitful  source  of  debate  in  the  church  on 
earth,  and  the  most  prying  and  penetrating  of  the  fallen 
angels  have  never  been  able  to  discover  why  it  was 
that  Christ  took  such  a  man  into  his  family,  and  had 
him  numbered  with  the  twelve  disciples." 


ADAM.  51 


CHAPTER   ly. 

ADAM. 

The  chief  seemed  reluctant  to  proceed,  and  the 
changing  shades  of  powerful  conflicting  emotions  ap- 
peared and  disappeared  in  his  strongly-mai'ked  coun- 
tenance. 

"  Tell  us  of  Judas,"  was  again  earnestly  demanded. 

"Well,"  said  the  chief,  "Adam  declared  that  God, 
and  God  only,  can  search  the  heart ;  that  the  veil  of 
hypocrisy  is  of  such  a  texture  that  it  cannot,  in  certain 
cases,  be  penetrated  by  the  eye  of  man,  angel,  or  devil. 
It  is  penetrated  in  all  cases  alone  by  the  eye  of  the  om- 
niscient God.  He  claims  it  as  his  high  prerogative  :  '  I, 
the  Lord,  search  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men.' 
'  Now,'  said  he,  '  the  character  of  Judas,  when  Christ 
called  him,  and  during  the  time  he  was  among  the  dis- 
ciples, can  only  be  known  with  certainty  from  Christ's 
testimony  concerning  him.  He  knew  all  men.  He 
knew  what  was  in  man.  Now,  the  unvarying  testimony 
of  Christ  is,  that  Judas  was  a  bad  man.  When  he 
washed  the  disciples'  feet,  he  said  "Ye  are  not  all  clean," 
and  he  spoke  in  reference  to  Judas.  When  Judas  mur- 
mured about  the  waste  of  ointment,  because  the  woman 
anointed  Christ,  alleging  that  it  should  have  been  sold, 
and  the  money  given  to  the  poor,  the  inspired  word 


52 


ADAM. 


affirms,  "he  cared  not  for  the  poor."  He  was  without 
that  benevolence  that  is  essential  to  true  piety  ;  and  that 
same  inspired  word  asserts  in  that  connection  that  he 
"  was  a  thief."  At  another  time,  Christ  says  to  his  dis- 
ciples, "  Have  I  not  chosen  you  twelve,  and  one  of  you 
is  a  devil  ?  "  '  (John  vi.  70;  xii.  6.) 

"  At  this  point  in  Adam's  address,"  said  Lucifer.  "  one 
of  the  mighty  congregation  arose,  and  wished  to  pro- 
pound an  inquiry.  He  was  a  tall  and  splendid  form. 
In  his  countenance  were  the  beamings  of  a  soul  that 
had  long  been  making  advances  in  knowledge,  holiness, 
and  happiness.  There  was  there  not  the  slightest  trace 
of  anxious  care,  or  vexation,  or  any  of  that  long  train 
of  woes  that  have  followed  in  the  footsteps  of  sin. 
But  there  sat  upon  his  broad,  expansive  brow  an  un- 
ruffled and  perpetual  serenity,  clearly  denoting  one  who 
had  been  a  dutiful  son  in  the  family  of  God  from  the 
birthday  of  his  being.  The  question  he  proposed  to 
Adam  was  this  :  — 

"  '  AVhy  did  the  Redeemer  admit  into  his  immediate 
family  —  even  in  the  number  of  those  whom  he  had 
chosen  to  be  with  him  —  such  a  man  as  Judas,  when  he 
knew  him  so  well  ? ' 

"  This  was  Adam's  reply :  '  It  was  the  design  of 
God  to  spread  before  the  world  the  most  ample  proof 
of  the  character  and  works  of  Christ.  He  intended 
to  record  on  the  pages  of  inspiration  the  fullest  testi- 
mony of  both  friends  and  enemies  to  the  reality  of  his 
miracles  and  the  purity  of  his  life.  That  record  he 
meant  to  send  round  the  earth,  and  down  the  tide  of 
time  to  the  end  of  the  world.  Now,  for  this  purpose, 
Christ  showed  himself  openly  to  the  world.    He  walked 


ADAM.  53 

in  Solomon's  porch ;  he  taught  in  the  temple,  and 
performed  many  of  his  wonderful  works  hefore  hun- 
dreds of  his  sharp-sighted  and  fault-finding  enemies. 
Now,  it  is  plain,  that  had  the  miracles  of  Christ  heen 
witnessed  only  hy  his  friends,  the  modern  sceptic  would 
say,  "It  is  true  the  friends  of  the  Redeemer  say  he 
wrought  miracles,  and  such  miracles  as  fully  proved 
his  divine  mission  ;  but  who  ever  saw  them,  except  his 
particular  friends?  and  they  were  partial,  and  even  in- 
terested in  putting  the  most  favorable  construction  on 
them.  Why  did  he  not  do  his  mighty  works  before 
those  who  were  impartial  ?  "  Such  would  have  been 
the  cavillings  of  modern  infidelity.  There  it  would 
have  taken  refuge,  and  from  that  lurking-place  it  would 
have  been  difficult  to  dislodge  it. 

"  '  But  how  stands  the  matter  now.  Jewish  rulers,  men 
of  great  learning  and  influence,  admit  the  reality  and 
grandeur  of  his  miracles.  "  No  man  can  do  the  miracles 
which  thou  doest,  except  God  be  with  him."  They 
acknowledged  the  resurrection  of  Lazarus ;  and  in  a 
very  notable  case,  the  man  that  was  born  blind,  was 
brought  into  the  Jewish  high  court,  and  catechized  and 
cross-questioned  by  the  Jewish  lawyers  and  doctors, 
intensely  eager  to  find  some  flaw,  or  plausible  objection, 
but  they  could  make  nothing  out  of  it.  The  man  had 
been  born  blind,  and  Christ  had  opened  his  eyes.  Then 
having  already  passed  an  ordinance,  ''  that  if  any  man 
did  confess  that  Jesus  was  the  Christ,  he  should  be  put 
out  of  the  synagogue,"  they  sent  for  his  father  and 
mother,  and  under  the  terror  of  that  ordinance,  tried  to 
frighten  them  into  a  denial  that  this  was  their  son,  or 
that  he  was  born  blind.     But  this  scheme  also  failed, 

5* 


54 


ADAJf, 


and  enemies,  as  well  as  friends,  had  to  acknowledge 
that  a  notable  miracle  had  been  done  by  him.  Now,' 
said  Adam,  '  the  fact  that  the  miracles  of  Christ  were 
admitted  by  the  leading  men  of  the  Jewish  nation,  and 
that  bitter  infidels  confessed  that  Christ  did  heal  the 
sick,  give  sight  to  the  blind,  and  raise  the  dead,  has 
been  of  immense  service  in  all  ages  of  the  church,  in 
confuting  the  cavils  of  unbelievers.  But,'  said  he, 
'  every  man  has  a  private  character,  as  well  as  a  char- 
acter that  is  public  ;  often  the  public  character  of  a 
man  may  be  good ;  he  may  be  very  popular,  while  his 
private  character  may  be  very  bad  ;  now,  it  was  the 
will  of  God  that  there  should  be  competent  and  credi- 
ble witnesses  to  the  private  life,  as  well  as  the  public 
works,  of  the  Savior. 

"  '  For  this  purpose  he  "  chose  twelve  to  be  with  him," 
when  he  was  withdrawn  from  the  multitude.  These 
were  with  him  by  day  and  by  night,  on  the  sea  and 
on  the  land,  in  the  city  and  in  the  desert.  Had  these 
twelve  all  been  the  firm  and  faithful  friends  of  Christ, 
the  infidel,  in  after  ages,  would  have  objected,  that  the 
whole  private  walk  and  conversation  of  the  Redeemer 
was  only  inspected  by  those  who  were  interested  in 
giving  the  most  favorable  account  to  the  world ;  and 
though  there  might  have  been  in  the  conduct  of  Christ, 
when  retired  from  the  public  eye,  many  things  incon- 
sistent with  his  claim  to  Messiahship,  yet  none  could 
witness  these  things  except  his  particular  friends,  and 
they,  of  course,  would  conceal  them. 

"  '  But  behold  the  wisdom  of  God,'  said  Adam,  *  that 
every  mouth  might  be  stopped,  Christ,  when  selecting 
the  twelve  witnesses  that  were  to  be  with  him,  took  one 


ADAM.  55 

who  was  not  a  believer;  'for  Jesus  knew  from  the 
beginning  who  they  were  that  believed  not,  and  who 
should  betray  him  ;  "  one  who  "  cared  not  for  the  poor  ;  " 
one  who  was  a  "thief;"  one  who,  in  temper  and 
spirit,  was  a  "devil."  This  man  was  admitted  to  the 
most  familiar  acquaintance  with  Christ  and  his  disci- 
ples, and  became  a  member  of  the  family.  He  sees  all 
and  hears  all  that  takes  place  between  Christ  and  his 
disciples  when  they  are  retired  from  the  public  eye  ; 
knows  all  the  secrets  of  the  family,  so  to  speak  ;  and 
then,  at  last,  by  his  avarice,  is  brought  into  circum- 
stances where  he  has  the  strongest  motives  to  divulge 
all  that  he  knows  against  Christ.  Could  Judas  have 
shown  that  there  was  a  plot  between  Christ  and  his 
disciples  to  palm  a  false  religion  on  the  world,  or  that 
there  was  any  thing  in  the  private  life  of  Christ  incon- 
sistent with  his  professions  of  Messiahship,  it  Avould 
have  mitigated  his  guilt  in  deserting  his  Master.  How 
powerful,  then,  is  his  testimony  to  the  purity  of  the 
Redeemer's  life,  when,  in  the  solemn  circumstances  in 
which  he  stood,  he  declared,  "  I  have  sinned !  I  have 
betrayed  innocent  blood  !  "  ' 

"The  same  inquirer  here  asked  Adam,  'Did  Judas 
expect  his  Master  would  be  put  to  death,  when  he 
betrayed  him  ? ' 

"'Judas,'  replied  Adam,  'had  not  looked  so  far 
ahead.  He  was  an  avaricious  man.  The  thirty  pieces 
of  silver  were  the  great  object :  beyond  that  he  had 
made  little  calcnlation.  But  when  he  had  received 
his  bribe,  and  had  rejoiced  over  it  for  a  time,  the 
tidings  came  tliat  Christ  was  condemned  to  be  cruci- 


56  ADAM. 

fied.     At  hearing  this,  the  conscience  of  Judas  started 
up  like  a  terrified  and  tortured  spectre. 

" '  Now,'  said  Adam,  '  observe,  that  beforehand, 
speaking  after  the  manner  of  men,  the  crucifixion  of 
Christ  was  one  of  the  most  unlikely  events  that  could 
be  imagined ;  every  probability  was  against  it.  Cruci- 
fixion was  a  mode  of  punishment  unknown  to  the  Jews 
until  after  they  had  come  under  the  government  of  the 
Romans,  Stoning  to  death  was  the  mode  in  which 
the  Jews,  from  the  time  of  Moses,  had  been  accustomed 
to  punish  malefactors.  Now,  the  likelihood  was  a  hun-' 
dred  to  one  that,  should  the  envy  and  malice  of  the 
Jews  against  Christ  rise  so  high  as  to  make  an  attempt 
on  his  life,  it  would  be  by  stoning,  as  Stephen  was 
afterwards  put  to  death  by  that  infuriated  mob.  But 
that  one  so  harmless  and  unblamable  in  his  life  should 
be  regularly  accused  before  a  Roman  court,  formally 
condemned  by  a  Roman  judge,  and  crucified  according  to 
the  forms  of  Roman  law  —  every  probability  was  against 
it.  And  yet  Christ  had  repeatedly  and  plainly  foretold 
to  his  disciples  that  he  should  be  crudjied.  Now,  Judas 
rested  well  satisfied  with  his  ill-gotten  gain,  till  a  mes- 
senger came  and  told  him  Christ  was  condemned  to  be 
crucified.  At  once  his  reflections  were  waked  up.  He 
thought  of  the  spotless  innocence  of  that  Lord  and 
Master  he  had  betrayed  ;  he  remembered  the  benignity, 
kindness,  and  grace  that  shone  through  all  his  life  ;  he 
remembered  also  his  plain  prediction,  "  The  Son  of  man 
shall  be  delivered  into  the  hands  of  sinful  men,  and  be 
crucified; "  and  the  terrible  words,  "  woe  to  that  man  by 
whom  the  Son  of  man  is  betrayed  !  "     Judas  sprang  to 


ADAiM.  ^ 

his  feet,  seized  the  fatal  bribe,  and  ran  to  find  those  who 
had  tempted  him.  His  alarmed  conscience,  armed  with 
ten  thousand  hghtnings,  flashed  insufferable  terrors 
upon  him  at  every  step.  Into  the  hall  among  the 
assembled  rulers  he  rushed  ,*  in  his  eyes  was  depicted 
amazing  anguish  ;  and  he  exclaimed,  — 

"  '  "  Scribes,  Pharisees,  Jewish  rulers  !  Stop  !  stop ! 
This  is  horrible  work.  My  Master  is  innocent  !  I 
have  sinned  !  I  have  betrayed  innocent  blood  !  Here 
is  your  money!  I  have  brought  it  back!  Stop! 
Take  your  money  again,  and  go  no  further  in  this 
awful  work." 

"  '  They  turned  to  him  scornfully.  "  Degraded 
wretch,  would  you  control  and  direct  us  ?  If  you 
have  betrayed  innocent  blood,  what  is  that  to  us.  It 
is  your  own  lookout.     Depart !     Molest  us  not." 

"  'Judas,  finding  his  influence  with  them  gone,  his 
presence  and  counsel  despised,  dashed  the  detested 
thirty  pieces  of  silver  down  on  the  pavement,  and  in 
the  ravings  of  despair  ran  to  the  rope  and  the  gallows, 
and  vainly  endeavored,  by  rushing  out  of  life,  to  escape 
from  the  intolerable  anguish  that  had  fastened  on  his 
guilty  soul.     (Matt,  xxvii.  3 — 5.) 

"  '  Such,'  said  Adam,  *  was  Judas,  and  such  was  the 
testimony  of  Judas  to  the  purity  and  spotless  character 
of  the  Mediator's  life.  The  weight  of  this  testimony 
is  tremendous  ;  for  it  is  the  testimony  of  an  enemy  — 
one  who  had  the  strongest  motives  to  speak  otherwise, 
had  his  awakened  conscience  allowed  him.  And  such,' 
he  added,  '  was  the  design  of  Christ,  in  taking  Judas 
into  his  family,  that  this  testimony  of  an  enemy  might 


58  ADAM. 

be  given  to  the  world.  Often  has  the  scrutinizing 
infidel,  when  searching  for  objections  against  Christ, 
been  staggered,  stunned,  and  confounded,  when  he 
encountered  the  testimony  of  Judas.  For  he  was 
constrained  to  see  that  nothing  but  the  omnipotence 
of  truth  could  have  caused  Judas,  so  circumstanced,  to 
speak  as  he  spoke  of  Christ,  whom  he  had  betrayed.'  " 


PILATE    AND    HEROD.  59 


CHAPTER   V. 

PILATE    AND    HEROD. 

Moloch,  the  monster,  "  besmeared  with  blood  of 
human  sacrifice,"  now  stood  up  in  the  assembly. 

"  Your  majesty,"  said  he,  •''  mentioned  that  Adam 
rehearsed  the  conduct  of  Pilate,  and  the  scenes  of  Cal- 
vary :  would  you  be  pleased  to  give  us  the  substance 
of  what  he  said  ?  " 

*'He  related,"  said  Lucifer,  "  that  the  whole  multi- 
tude of  departed  saints,  though  invisible  to  mortal 
eyes,  were  present,  and  beheld  not  only  the  Mediator's 
agony  in  the  garden,  but  when  he  was  betrayed  into 
the  hands  of  his  enemies,  they  followed  him  to  the 
hall  of  the  Jewish  high  priest,  and  witnessed  the 
insults  and  outrages  that  were  perpetrated  against  him 
there.  But  when  he  came  to  speak  of  Pilate,  his  dis- 
course was  powerful.  Never  since  the  death  of  the 
inspired  apostles  have  I  seen  the  conduct  of  that  timid, 
time-serving  judge  so  accurately  portrayed. 

*'  He  mentioned  that  Pilate  had  been  brought  up  a 
heathen,  and  in  his  early  life,  was  unacquainted  with 
the  true  religion.  But  he  had  now  been  at  Jerusalem 
long  enough  to  learn  much  of  the  character  and  works 
of  Jesus  Christ.  He  was  there  when  the  resurrection 
of  Lazarus  electrified  the  whole  country,  and  w^as  the 


60  PILATE    AND    HEROD. 

theme  of  inquiry,  comment,  and  wonder,  from  one 
extremity  of  the  land  to  the  other.  Pilate  had  seen 
the  leper  Avho  had  been  cleansed  by  the  power  of 
Christ ;  the  lame  man  he  had  healed  ;  the  dumb  he 
had  caused  to  speak ;  and  the  blind  he  had  restored  to 
sight.  Opportunities  were  ample  to  learn  much  of  the 
divine  works  and  divine  character  of  the  Redeemer. 

''  It  was  at  the  early  dawn  of  day,  on  the  morning 
immediately  after  the  betrayal  of  Christ  by  Judas,  that 
Pilate  was  roused  from  his  slumbers  by  a  servant  who 
entered  his  room,  and  told  him  that  a  vast  concourse 
of  the  elders  of  the  Jews,  priests  and  pharisees,  were 
crowded  together  in  front  of  the  judgment  hall. 

"  '  What  can  be  the  meaning  of  all  this  ? '  said  Pilate, 
rising  hastily,  and  arranging  his  dress.  On  going  out 
to  meet  the  multitude,  he  was  addressed  by  the  chief 
priest :  '  We  have  brought  a  malefactor  before  you  for 
judgment.' 

"  '  Who  is  he  ? '  asked  Pilate. 

"  '  Jesus  of  Nazareth,'  replied  the  priest. 

"  '  Jesus  of  Nazareth  !  '  exclaimed  Pilate,  greatly 
troubled  at  the  announcement.  He  had  already  heard 
and  known  so  much  of  the  wonderful  works  of  Jesus 
of  Nazareth,  that  he  shuddered  at  the  thought  of  taking 
any  hand  himself  in  violent  proceeding  against  him ; 
and  yet  the  number,  respectability,  and  influence  of  this 
crowd,  collected  here  at  this  unusual  hour,  and  the 
determined  earnestness  of  their  manner,  made  it  plain 
that  he  could  not  disappoint  or  disoblige  them  without 
great  risk  to  his  popularity.  He  cared  but  little  what 
the  Jews  might  do  against  Christ  on  their  own  respon- 
sibility, but  he   trembled  at  tiieir  demand  that  he,  as 


PILATE    AND    HEROD.  6J-, 

presiding  judge,  should  share  in  the  proceedings.  And 
on  the  other  hand,  he  was  greatly  solicitous  to  maintain 
his  standing  with  the  rulers  of  that  people.  Judea  had 
but  lately  come  under  the  Roman  government,  and 
Pilate  thought  it  might  be  agreeable  to  them  to  have 
the  claims  of  Rome  set  aside  in  this  case,  and  be 
allowed  to  judge  and  condemn  Christ  in  their  own 
court.  Thus  the  Jews  would  be  gratified,  and  he 
would  avoid  having  any  personal  agency  in  the  con- 
demnation of  Christ.  Pilate  therefore  said  to  the 
Jewish  rulers,  — 

"  'Take  him,'  and  judge  him  according  to  your  law.' 
(John  xvhi.  31.) 

"  '  But,'  said  the  Jews,  '  it  is  not  lawful  for  us  to  put 
any  man  to  death.  This  is  a  capital  offence.  The 
man  deserves  to  die.  And  all  cases  that  touch  the  life 
of  a  man,  must  be  brought  before  a  Roman  court.' 

"  '  I  mean,'  said  Pilate,  '  that  as  the  representative 
of  Rome,  I  will  not  urge  her  claims  in  this  case.  Take 
him,  and  judge  him  according  to  your  law.  Execute  - 
your  pleasure.  I'll  take  no  notice  of  it,  even  should 
you  exceed  your  authority.  I  will  pass  it  over  in 
silence.  But  do  not  urge  me  to  take  any  personal 
agency  in  the  case.' 

"  *  No,'  said  the  Jewish  rulers,  '  we  are  law-abiding 
men.  We  will  not  consent  to  act  against  the  Roman 
law.  You  are  here  as  the  representative  of  Rome. 
We  insist  that  you  shall  do  your  duty.  We  bring  the 
case  before  you.     We  insist  that  you  shall  act.' 

"  Such  was  Pilate's  first  attempt  to  avoid  acting 
against  Christ,  and  such  was  its  success." 

At  this  Beelzebub  rose,  and  observed,  "  There  is  a 

6 


62  PILATE    AND    HEROD. 

remarkable  statement  in  32d  verse  of  18th  chapter  of 
John's  Gospel :  —  it  is  this,  that  the  Jews  refused  to 
accede  to  this  proposal  of  Pilate,  'that  the  saying  of 
Jesus  might  be  fulfilled,  which  he  spake,  signifying 
what  death  he  should  die.'  " 

"  Certainly,"  said  Lucifer,  "  it  was  just  stated  that 
the  Jews  put  offenders  to  death  by  stoning.  But  Christ 
had  foretold  that  he  should  be  crucified.  Had  the 
Jews  accepted  Pilate's  proposal,  and  put  Christ  to  death 
according  to  their  law,  it  would  not  have  fulfilled  the 
prediction  of  Christ." 

"  But,"  said  Beelzebub,  "  was  that  their  intention  in 
refusing  Pilate's  proposal  ?  Did  they  wish  to  fulfil  the 
prediction  of  Christ  ?  " 

"  Far  from  it,"  said  Lucifer :  "  they  had  no  such 
intention." 

"What,  then,"  said  Beelzebub,  "does  the  apostle 
mean  ?  Or  does  he  there  teach  that  doctrine  so  terri- 
ble to  all  in  hell,  that  there  is  a  deep  divine  providence 
running  through  all  the  actions  of  men,  and  that  even 
these  infuriated  Jews,  when  raving  against  Christ  in 
the  presence  of  Pilate,  were  controlled  by  an  invisible 
hand  that  was  higher  than  they.  It  is  a  doctrine  1 
have  dreaded  for  thousands  of  years.  I  never  hear  it 
but  I  tremble." 

"  That  doctrine  is  as  hateful  to  me  as  to  you," 
answered  Lucifer.  "  But  I  will  go  on  with  Adam's 
account  of  Pilate. 

"  He  next  stated,  that  when  Pilate  had  questioned 
Christ  of  many  things,  he  turned  to  his  accusers,  and 
said,  '  I  find  no  fault  in  this  man.'  On  hearing  this, 
they  became  exceedingly  fierce,  crying  out,  '  He  stirreth 


PILATE    AND    HEROD.  63 

up  the  people,  teaching  throughout  all  Jewry,  begmning 
from  Galilee  unto  this  place.' 

"  'Galilee?'  said  Pilate.  'Is  the  man,  then,  a  Gali- 
lean ? ' 

"'Certainly,'  said  the  Jews,  'he  is  a  Galilean.' 
(Luke  xxiii.  6,  7.) 

"  '  Then,'  said  Pilate,  '  I  have  nothing  to  do  with 
the  matter,  for  Herod  is  governor  of  Galilee.  The 
offence  has  been  committed  in  his  jurisdiction.  Take 
him  to  Herod.  He  is  now  at  Jerusalem.'  Pilate  was 
now  confident  he  had  discovered  a  method  of  ridding 
himself  of  the  whole  business,  without  offending  the 
Jews.  This  was  his  second  device,  and  he  sent  them 
to  Herod. 

"  Bat  Herod  also  had  heard  many  things  of  Christ, 
and  having  suffered  much  remorse  for  his  beheading 
of  John  the  Baptist,  he  was  now  reluctant  to  have  any 
hand  in  tlie  condemnation  of  Christ.  To  gratify  the 
Jewish  rulers,  who  were  clamorous  and  vehement  in 
their  accusations,  Herod  treated  him  with  some  marks 
of  derision  and  disrespect,  but  would  in  no  form  sig- 
nify that  he  thought  him  worthy  of  death  ;  and  thus  he 
sent  him  again  to  Pilate.  Herod  was  very  artful.  He 
and  Pilate  had  been  at  variance,  but  this  day  they  were 
made  friends.  Herod  affected  to  understand  the  send- 
ing of  the  Jewish  rulers  with  their  prisoner  to  him,  as 
a  high  token  of  respect  and  deference  on  the  part  of 
Pilate,  and  he  would  not  be  outdone  in  courtesy. 

"  '  I  am  honored  and  flattered  by  the  attentions  of  the 
governor  ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  it  is  my  duty  to  ac- 
knowledge him  as  the  representative  of  the  Roman 
power  in  this  province.     I  am  but  a  transient  visitor 


64 


PILATE    AND    HEROD. 


here,  and  far  be  it  from  me  to  interfere  with  tlie  official 
duties  of  one  so  competent  to  fill  the  high  station  in 
which  Cassar  has  placed  him.  Go  again  to  Pilate,  with 
my  respects  and  gratitude  for  his  polite  attentions.' 

"  On  the  return  of  the  company  to  Pilate,  he  was  in 
extreme  perplexity.  He  had  just  received  a  message 
from  his  wife:  it  was  this — •  Have  thou  nothing  to  do 
with  that  just  man,  for  I  have  suff'ered  many  things 
this  day  in  a  dream  because  of  him.'  (Matt,  xxvii.  19.) 

*'  Pilate  now  resorted  to  a  third  device,  by  which  he 
hoped  to  avoid  giving  sentence  of  death  against  Christ, 
and  yet  to  retain  the  favor  of  the  Jewish  rulers.  It 
was  now  the  feast  of  the  passover,  in  commemoration 
of  their  release  from  bondage  in  Egypt.  It  was  the 
most  noted  anniversary  observed  by  the  Jews  —  the 
most  joyful  day  to  the  nation  in  the  whole  revolving 
year.  There  was  an  old  custom,  with  which  they  had 
long  been  familiar,  that  when  they  came  up  to  Jerusa- 
lem, to  the  annual  celebration  of  their  release  from 
bondage,  some  capital  offender,  whose  life  had  been 
forfeited  to  the  laws  of  the  land,  should  be  set  at  lib- 
erty, that  he  and  his  friends  might  add  to  the  general 
joy.  Similar  customs  have  been  found  to  exist  among 
other  nations  in  order  to  honor  some  high  day.  Pilate 
resolved  to  avail  himself  of  this  old  and  popular  cus- 
tom, in  order  to  obtain  their  consent  to  the  release  of 
Jesus  Christ.  There  was  now  at  Jerusalem  a  notable 
prisoner,  named  Barabbas.  (Matt,  xxvii.  15 — 18.)  He 
had  been  notorious  as  a  robber,  and  recently  had  been 
concerned  in  an  insurrection,  and  some  flagrant  cases 
of  murder.  Pilate  thought  that  by  constraining  the 
Jewish  rulers  to  make  a  choice  between  Christ  and 


PILATE    AND    HEROD.  65 

Barabbas,  they  would,  from  a  respect  to  their  own 
character,  call  for  the  release  of  Jesus  ;  but  in  this  he 
was  wholly  mistaken.  The  scribes  and  pharisees 
bestirred  themselves  among  the  fickle  multitude,  and 
persuaded  them  to  vote  for  the  release  of  Barabbas;  and 
presently  Pilate  was  perfectly  overwhelmed  with  loud 
and  vehement  outcries,  demanding  that  Barabbas  should 
be  released,  and  that  Christ  sho\ild  be  crucified. 

"  Trembling  at  the  thought  of  sharing  in  the  guilt  of 
condemning  a  righteous  person,  Pilate  now,  as  ^fourth 
expedient,  determined  to  make  a  strong  appeal  to  the 
conscience  of  the  Jewish  rulers.  He  knew  that  they 
professed  to  be  religious  men,  bound  to  obey  the  laws 
of  God,  and  regarded  themselves  as  accountable  to  God 
in  the  judgment  of  the  great  day  for  the  deeds  done  in 
the  body.  He  knew,  also,  that  they  were  actuated  by 
envy  against  Christ.  He  made,  therefore,  a  powerful 
elfort  to  wake  up  their  conscience  to  the  guilt  of  what 
they  were  now  doing.  He  avers  to  them  repeatedly, 
'  I  find  no  fault  in  this  man.  Herod  has  found  nothing 
worthy  of  death  in  this  man.  Come  tell  me  your- 
selves, what  evil  hath  he  done  ?  '  To  this  they  only 
replied  with  boisterous  outcries  and  violent  demands 
for  his  death.  Pilate,  finding  that  he  was  like  to  be 
overborne  by  their  tumultuous  and  unreasonable  impet- 
uosity, took  water  and  washed  his  hands  before  the 
multitude,  saying,  '  I  am  innocent  of  the  blood  of 
this  just  person  ;  see  ye  to  it.  I  publicly  proclaim  that 
I  will  have  no  share  in  the  guilt  of  shedding  his 
blood.'     (Matt,  xxvii.  24,  25.) 

"But  to  the  astonishment  of  Pilate,  the  Jewish 
rulers,  instead  of  being  shocked  or  appalled  by  this 

6* 


6*6  PILATE    AND    HEROD. 

view  of  the  solemn  subject,  came  promptly  forward, 
crying  out,  'His  blood  —  the  guilt  of  shedding  his 
blood  be  on  us  and  on  our  children.'  *  Awful  impre- 
cation !  '  exclaimed  Adam,  pausing  in  the  narrative. 
'  Dreadful  prayer !  and  how  dreadfully  answered ! 
Through  eighteen  centuries,  that  people,  scattered,  trod- 
den down,  a  hissing,  a  proverb,  a  by-word  among  all 
nations,  are  a  monument  of  the  fearful  guilt  contracted 
by  that  presumptuous  prayer.  O  Jerusalem,  Jerusa- 
lem !  memorable  and  mournful  was  that  hour,  when 
the  imprecation  was  uttered,  "  His  blood  be  on  us  and 
on  our  children." 

"  '  Pilate  had  yet,'  continued  Adam,  '  one  expedient 
more,  by  which  he  thought  to  prevail  with  the  Jewish 
rulers,  at  least  in  part  ;  and  this  was  by  an  appeal  to 
their  sympathy.  He  knew  that  they  were  fully  aware 
that  their  charges  against  Christ  were  groundless  and 
unjust ;  he  thought,  therefore,  that  if  they  saw  him 
exposed  to  severe  and  unmerited  suflerings  for  a  time, 
they  would  relent,  and  consent  to  his  release,  and 
thus  his  life  might  be  spared. 

"  '  Pilate,  therefore,  gave  orders  that  Jesus  should  be 
scourged.  "  And  the  soldiers  platted  a  crown  of  thorns, 
and  put  it  on  his  head,  and  they  smote  him  with  their 
hands."  After  his  body  was  thus  lacerated  and  mangled 
with  the  scourging,  and  his  head  and  temples  pierced 
with  the  thorns,  until  the  streaming  blood  had  stained 
all  his  person,  and  ran  down  to  the  ground,  Pilate 
then  went  forth  again,  and  said  to  his  accusers,  "  Be- 
hold, I  bring  him  forth  to  you,  that  ye  may  know  that 
I  find  no  fault  in  him."  Then  came  Jesus  forth,  wear- 
ing the  crown  of  thorns,  and  marking  the  track  along 


PILATE    AND    HEROD.  ^ 

which  he  came  with  his  blood.  Pilate,  fixing  his  eye 
on  the  sufferer,  and  pointing  with  his  hand,  said  to  the 
Jewish  rulers,  "  Behold  the  man  !  Has  he  not  suffered 
enough  ?  Will  not  this  content  you  ?  "  (John  xix. 
1—5.) 

"  'But  in  this  appeal  to  their  sympathy,  Pilate  entirely 
failed.  As  soon  as  they  saw  Jesus,  they  were  seized 
with  a  fiendish  rage,  and  cried  out,  "  Crucify  him ! 
crucify  him !  " 

"  '  Balked  and  confounded  thus  at  every  turn,  Pilate, 
in  extreme  perplexity,  said,  "  Take  ye  him,  and  crucify 
him,  for  I  find  no  fault  in  him.  If  you  are  clear  that 
he  deserves  it,  do  it  on  your  own  responsibility.  But 
do  not  ask  me  to  violate  my  conscience,  and  sin  against 
my  convictions  of  duty,  for  I  find  no  fault  in  him." 

"  '  But  the  leaders  of  the  Jews,'  said  Adam,  '  had  an 
argument  in  reserve,  that  they  well  knew  would  bear 
down  all  the  scruples  of  Pilate.  The)'-  knew  that 
Pilate  was  anxious  to  retain  his  office  as  governor  of 
Judea,  which  he  held  from  Cassar.  They  knew  he 
would  be  very  careful  not  to  run  any  risk  in  that  quar- 
ter ;  so  they  addressed  him  thus  :  "If  thou  let  this  man 
go,  thou  art  not  Cassar's  friend.  Whosoever  maketh 
himself  a  king,  speaketh  against  Cassar  :  you  are  sta- 
tioned here  as  the  representative  of  Caesar,  and  guar- 
dian of  the  rights  of  his  throne.  Here  is  a  man  who 
has  set  up  a  rival  claim  ;  calls  himself  the  king  of  the 
Jews.  We  have  arrested  this  man,  and  brought  him 
before  you,  as  guilty  of  sedition.  If  you  refuse  to 
punish  him,  and  let  him  go,  we,  as  faithful  subjects  of 
Caesar,  will  carry  up  the  case  to  Rome,  and  lodge 
information,  that  here,  in  Judea,  you  are  betraying  the 


68  PILATE    AND    HEROD. 

rights  of  the  emperor,  who  gave  you  your  commission." 
(John  xix.  12.) 

"  '  Pilate  well  knew  that  Tiberius  Caesar,  who  now 
filled  the  throne,  was  a  weak  and  jealous  prince,  and 
that  so  grave  a  charge  as  this,  carried  up  by  so  large 
and  respectable  a  host  of  complainants,  would  be  cer- 
tain to  cost  him  his  office,  and  most  likely  his  life. 
So,  without  further  attempt  at  resistance,  he  yielded  to 
the  tide,  and  gave  sentence  against  Christ,  that  he 
should  be  crucified ;  in  which  act,  we  have  the  strange 
phenomenon  of  a  judge  on  the  bench  condemning  a 
man  to  die,  while,  at  the  same  time,  he  repeatedly  and 
publicly  declares,  that  he  is  free  from  fault,  and  inno- 
cent of  the  charge  brought  against  him. 


>  )> 


THE    DARKNESS.  69 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE    DARKNESS. 

Here  Moloch  again  lifted  up  his  gigantic  form,  and 
turning  to  the  chief,  observed,  — 

"  Your  majesty  stated  that  Adam  spoke  of  Calvary. 
I  was  anxious  to  know  whether  he  advanced  any  thing 
there,  beyond  what  has  hitherto  been  understood  among 
the  fallen  angels." 

'<  Much  of  what  he  said,"  answered  Lucifer,  "  was 
essentially  that  which  has  been  taught  in  the  church, 
on  this  great  subject,  from  age  to  age,  viz.,  'that  the 
death  of  Christ  was  the  fulfilment  of  those  sacrifices 
and  significant  types  given  to  the  Old  Testament 
church  ;  that  it  was  designed  to  declare  God's  righteous- 
ness, maintain  his  law,  and  atone  for  sin.'  But  when 
he  spoke  of  the  prodigies  and  convulsions  of  nature 
that  accompanied  Messiah's  death,  his  observations 
were  perfectly  marvellous." 

"  Ah,"  said  Moloch  ;  "did  he  explain  that  supernatu- 
ral darkness,  that  for  eighteen  hundred  years  has  per- 
plexed all  the  philosophers  of  earth,  and  confounded 
the  conjectures  of  all  the  angels  of  the  bottomless  pit  ?  " 

*'  What  darkness  ?  "  said  a  demon  from  Madagascar, 
who  now  arose  and  addressed  himself  to  Moloch.  His 
face  was  as  black  as  ebony,  and  his  eyes  large  and  white. 


70  THE    DARKNESS. 

"  What  darkness ! "  rejoined  Moloch.  "  I  speak  of  that 
which  occurred  at  Messiah's  death.  You  know  that 
the  vail  of  the  temple  was  rent  in  twain  from  the  top  to 
the  bottom.  The  earth  quaked,  the  rocks  burst  asun- 
der, the  graves  opened,  the  dead  awoke,  and  for  three 
hours  a  supernatural  darkness  hung  over  all  the  land.-' 

"You  presume  too  much  on  my  knowledge,"  said 
the  Madagascar  demon.  "  Much  that  has  been  men- 
tioned here  is  entirely  new  to  me.  I  have  been 
employed  among  the  descendants  of  Ham  since  the 
re  peopling  of  the  world  after  the  flood.  My  labors 
have  mostly  been  confined  to  certain  districts  in  the 
centre  and  south  of  Africa,  and  some  of  the  African 
islands.  The  light  of  revealed  religion  has  but  little 
interrupted  us  there.  It  is  true  that,  about  three  thou- 
sand years  ago,  when  the  queen  of  Sheba  returned 
from  her  visit  to  King  Solomon,  at  Jerusalem,  she 
brought  some  sacred  books,  and  teachers  of  revealed 
religion,  and  some  of  the  people  were  turned  from 
idolatry  to  the  worship  of  Jehovah ;  but,  in  the  course 
of  a  few  generations,  I  succeeded  in  rolling  the  dark- 
ness of  heathenism  over  the  population  again,  and  so  it 
has  chiefly  continued  since.  But,  as  to  the  darkness 
of  which  you  spoke,  was  it  not  a  total  eclipse  of  the 
sun,  occasioned  by  an  intervention  of  the  body  of  the 
moon  between  the  sun  and  the  earth?" 

"  That  could  not  be  the  cause,"  answered  Moloch, 
"  for  two  reasons  :  — 

"  1st.  Because  the  crucifixion  of  Christ  took  place  at 
the  Jewish  passover,  which  was  always  at  full  moon, 
when  the  sun  and  moon  are  in  opposite  directions  from 
the  earth.     And, 


THE    DARKNESS.  71 

"  2d.  Because  no  total  eclipse  of  the  sun  by  the 
moon  can  contmue  beyond  a  very  few  minutes,  owing 
to  the  moon's  rapid  progress  in  its  orbit ;  whereas 
the  strange  darkness,  at  the  crucifixion  of  Christ,  con- 
tinued, witiiout  mitigation,  for  the  space  of  three  full 
hours.  But,'"  said  Moloch,  bowing  to  Lucifer,  "your 
majesty  was  about  to  state  the  explanation  which 
Adam  gav^e  of  this  remarkable  phenomenon." 

"  The  explanation  given  by  Adam,"  said  Lucifer, 
was  to  me  very  surprising,  and  seemed  greatly  to  in- 
terest and  delight  his  audience.  His  commencement 
resembled  Christ's  parable  of  the  shepherd,  the  hundred 
sheep,  and  the  one  that  had  gone  astray.  He  said 
that  •'  the  Mediator  is  the  head  of  the  creation  of  God ; ' 
that  '  all  things  were  made  by  him,  and  without  him 
was  not  any  thing  made  that  was  made  ; '  that  princi- 
palities and  powers  in  heavenly  places,  visible  and  in- 
visible, thrones  and  dominions,  were  all  created  by  him 
and  for  him ;  that  all  the  starry  worlds  are  his,  the 
countless  multitudes  of  their  inhabitants  are  under  his 
supervision;  he  leadeth  out  their  hosts  by  numbers, 
and  calleth  them  all  by  their  names,  by  the  greatness 
of  his  might ;  and  because  he  is  strong  in  power,  not 
one  faileth. 

'• '  Now,'  said  he,  '  one  branch  of  this  wide-spread 
family  of  God,  viz.,  the  race  of  man,  went  astray,  and 
the  great  Shepherd,  leaving  the  ninety  and  nine,  —  that 
is,  all  who  had  kept  their  first  estate,  —  came  down  to 
earth,  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  was  lost.  But 
this  wonderful  errand  of  the  Son  of  God  was  known 
far  and  wide  through  Jehovah's  kingdom,  not  only  to 
the  ministering  angels,  who  were  eager  to  look  into  the 


72  THE    DARKNESS. 

plan  of  the  gospel,  but  to  other  orders  of  holy  beings, 
whom  the  apostle  styles  principalities  and  powers,  and 
dominions  and  thrones.  The  great  Immanuel  was  on 
earth  during  a  space  of  from  thirty  to  forty  years,  and 
through  all  this  period,  there  was  much  interest  and 
sympathy  felt  in  other  branches  of  the  great  family 
of  God,  for  the  cause  in  which  he  was  engaged.  It 
may  be  illustrated  by  the  redemption  of  Israel  from 
Egypt.  While  they  journeyed  through  the  wilderness, 
led  by  that  pillar  of  cloud  and  pillar  of  fire,  and  fed  by 
the  manna,  and  drinking  of  the  stream  that  flowed  from 
the  smitten  rock,  tidings  of  what  God  was  doing  there 
spread  into  distant  lands,  and  messengers  came  from 
remote  nations,  like  Hobab,  the  prince  of  Midian,  to  see 
and  learn  more  perfectly  the  marvellous  works  of  Jeho- 
vah. So  now,  in  this  greater  redemption,  of  which  the 
release  of  Israel  from  Egypt  was  but  a  dim  and  faint 
shadow,  while  the  Redeemer  was  on  earth,  moving 
forward  in  the  mighty  Avork,  frequent  messengers  came 
in  from  the  remote  tracts  of  creation,  excited  and  anx- 
ious to  pry  into  the  mysteries  of  pardoning  mercy  — 
those  deep  things  of  God.  And  when,  at  length,  Christ 
told  his  disciples  that  he  was  going  up  to  Jerusalem  to 
the  passover,  and  that  there  he  should  be  condemned  to 
die,  should  be  crucified  and  slain,  to  atone  for  the  sins 
of  men,  —  not  only  were  the  disciples  startled  and  as- 
tonished at  the  announcement,  but  the  intelligence  was 
borne  with  the  speed  of  lightning  through  fields  of 
creation  far  remote.  And  when  the  appointed  moment 
came,  that  Immanuel  was  to  bear  the  heavy  vengeance 
that  eternal  justice  laid  on  him  for  crimes  that  man 
had  done,  multitudes  came  from  far  to  gaze  upon  the 


THE    DARKNESS.  fS 

Strange  sight ;  distant  worlds  were,  for  a  time,  emptied 
of  their  inhabitants ;  from  all  parts  of  heaven  they 
were  seen  flying  as  clouds,  directing  their  way  toward 
earth.  Over  Calvary  and  over  the  cross  these  clouds 
paused  and  were  condensed,  filling  all  the  region  of  the 
air,  O,  it  was  a  gathering  together  of  the  sons  of  God, 
beyond  all  that  had  hitherto  taken  place  during  the 
reign  of  the  Almighty.  Never  before  had  an  event 
occurred  of  such  immeasurable  interest  as  the  death 
of  God's  incarnate  Son  —  never  before  had  such  an 
assembly  been  convened.  All  were  now  animated  by 
one  intense  desire.  All  were  crowded  towards  the  one 
great  object  of  attraction.  Throng  pressed  eagerly 
on  throng,  to  behold  the  scene,  and  multitude  on 
multitude,  till  the  light  of  the  noonday  sun  was  shut 
out,  and  "  darkness  covered  all  the  land,  from  the  sixth 
till  the  ninth  hour,"  while  Jesus  bled  for  the  redemption 
of  man.'  " 

Here  Lucifer  stopped  short  in  his  rehearsal,  and  the 
spirits  of  darkness  seemed  troubled,  while  over  the 
assembly  appeared  strange  and  varying  expressions  of 
countenance.  Profound  silence,  however,  was  ob- 
served through  all  their  ranks,  and  presently  the  chief 
resumed  his  narrative. 

7 


74  THE    RESURRECTION. 


CHAPTER   VII. 

THE    RESURRECTION. 

"The  account  also,"  said  Lucifer,  "which  Adam 
gave  of  the  Redeemer's  abode  in  the  prison-house  of 
death,  and  his  resurrection  to  immortahty,  excited 
great  interest  among  his  audience. 

" '  Death,'  said  he,  '  had  now  reigned  in  the  world 
for  four  thousand  years,  and  all  that  is  sweet,  and  lovely, 
and  estimable,  in  human  society,  had  been  withered 
and  crushed  by  his  tremendous  sway.  All  the  captives 
he  had  taken,  through  this  long  period,  he  had  retained 
in  his  dark  dominion.  No  victim,  as  yet,  who  had  once 
fallen  under  his  power,  had  been  able  to  escape  to  the  re- 
gions of  immortality.  The  resurrection  of  the  widow's 
son  in  the  days  of  Elijah,  the  resurrection  of  Lazarus, 
and  some  other  cases  on  record,  before  the  death  of 
Christ,  were,  in  each  instance,  a  resuscitation  to  mortal 
life,  not  a  resurrection  to  immortality.  Lazarus  was 
subject  to  sickness  and  death  again.  In  fact,  he  died 
again,  and  went  to  the  grave,  and  is  in  the  grave  yet. 
No  resurrection,  to  live  forever  above  the  reach  of  death, 
had  been  witnessed,  by  man  or  angel,  at  the  time  Christ 
was  laid  a  prisoner  in  the  tomb.  But  he  had  promised 
he  would  rise  on  the  third  day,  and  bring  life  and  im- 
mortality to  light.  What  interests,  of  vast  weight  and 
moment,  depended  on  the  fulfilment  of  this  promise ! 


THF.    RESURRECTION.  75 

All  the  hope  of  the  church  on  earth  was  here.  They 
had  seen  their  Lord  and  Master  betrayed,  condemned, 
and  nailed  to  the  cross.  They  had  witnessed  the 
mockery,  insult,  and  wagging  of  the  head,  while  he  was 
enduring  the  agonies  of  death ;  and  now,  in  the  silent 
grave,  the  ghastly  king  of  terrors  held  in  triumph  the 
cold,  prostrate  body  of  Messiah.  The  little  church  on 
earth,  shocked,  astounded  at  the  depth  of  his  humilia- 
tion, was,  during  the  three  days  he  lay  in  the  grave, 
almost  bewildered  and  lost  in  the  mazes  of  the  mys- 
tery of  godliness.  "  Has  God  forgotten  to  be  gracious  ? 
Are  his  mercies  clean  gone  ?  Will  he  be  favorable  no 
more  ?  Shall  death  forever  triumph  and  reign  ?  "  Such 
were  the  questions  in  the  mind  of  the  church,  well 
nigh  disconsolate  and  heart-broken.  And  during  the 
first  day,  and  the  second  day,  after  the  Savior's  burial, 
many  a  trembling  eye  was  turned  to  that  silent  sepul- 
chre, and  from  many  a  heaving  bosom  the  inquiry 
burst  forth,  "  Will  he  rise  ?  O  Son  of  God,  wilt  thou 
come  forth  out  of  that  house  of  death,  and  bring  hope, 
and  victory,  and  redemption  to  thy  people  ? "  But 
from  that  grave  there  was  no  answer ;  the  silence  and 
mournful  gloom  remained  unbroken. 

" '  There  was  another  company  of  the  friends  of  God,' 
continued  Adam,  'deeply  concerned  in  this  matter. 
The  saints,  I  mean,  who  had  died  in  the  faith,  and  gone 
to  glory,  and  whose  bodies  were  detained  prisoners  in 
the  grave.  These  all  knew  that  for  them  there  could 
be  no  resurrection,  unless  their  Redeemer  should  rise 
first.  The  Captain  of  Salvation  must  vanquish  the 
monster,  burst  the  bars  of  his  strong  prison-house,  and 
lead  captivity  captive,  or  his  followers  could  never  come 


76  THE    RESURRECTION, 

forth  singing  the  triumphant  song,  "O  death,  where  is 
thy  sting  ?     O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ?  " 

" '  In  long,  shining  ranks,  the  muUitude  of  the  re- 
deemed came  down,  and  encircled  that  tomb,  with 
immortal  expectation.  But  now  their  harps  were  sus- 
pended, their  songs  were  hushed.  Awful  silence  was 
over  all  their  legions,  save  that,  from  time  to  time,  some 
ancient  patriarch,  or  venerable  prophet,  approaching 
the  door  of  the  sepulchre,  and  stooping  down  and  look- 
ing in,  would  reverentially  lift  his  hands,  and  in  tremu- 
lous accents  call  aloud,  "  Wilt  thou  awake  and  rise  ?  O 
Son  of  God,  wilt  thou  come  forth  from  this  house  of 
death,  for  the  glory  of  thy  name,  and  the  joy  of  thy 
people  ?  "  But  there  was  no  answer  ;  the  stillness  of 
the  grave  was  there. 

"  '  There  was  yet  another  great  class  of  the  friends  of 
God  thrilled  at  this  period  with  the  liveliest  emotions. 
They  were  the  holy  angels,  who,  from  a  very  early 
day,  had  been  employed  as  ministering  spirits  for  the 
heirs  of  salvation.  They  had  worshipped  around  the 
throne  of  Immanuel,  before  the  formation  of  the  world, 
or  the  first  existence  of  sin.  They  had  witnessed  his 
first  appearance  in  Eden,  when  the  great  promise  was 
given.  They  had  witnessed  his  appearance  to  Abra- 
ham at  his  tent,  to  Moses  at  the  burning  bush,  to  Israel 
at  Mount  Sinai,  to  Elijah  at  his  translation,  and  to 
Shadrach,  Meshech,  and  Abednego,  at  the  burning  fiery 
furnace  ;  and  now,  with  strange  surprise,  they  had  seen 
him  in  the  manger  of  Bethlehem,  in  the  garden  of 
Gethsemane,  on  the  cross  of  Calvary,  and  a  captive  in 
the  grave.  Mute  multitudes  of  the  angelic  armies  now 
stood  waiting  round  the  tomb.     Not  a  word  uttered,  not 


THE    RESURRECTION.  77 

a  whisper  there,  saA^e  that,  now  and  then,  some  strong 
prince  of  the  seraphim,  or  some  renowned  ruler  of  the 
cherubic  legions,  trailing  his  long  robes  of  glory  up  to 
the  door  of  the  sepulchre,  bending  his  form  with  celes- 
tial awe,  and  looking  in,  interrupted  the  silence  — 
"  Wilt  thou  awake  and  rise  ?  O  Son  of  God,  wilt  thou 
come  forth  from  this  house  of  death,  for  the  glory  of 
thy  name  and  the  joy  of  thy  people  ?  "  But  none  an- 
swered ;  the  stillness  of  the  grave  was  there. 

"  '  There  was  yet  another  host,'  said  Adam,  continu- 
ing his  address,  •  tliat  shared  largely  in  the  interest  of 
this  memorable  scene.  That  is  the  host  of  rebel  angels. 
Well  was  it  understood  by  all  the  princes  of  hell,  that, 
could  they  now  shut  up  the  house  of  death,  and  prevent 
the  resurrection  of  the  Messiah,  their  victory  would  be 
complete.  The  promise  of  God  would  be  forfeited, 
his  counsels  overthrown,  the  hope  of  the  church 
blasted,  and  the  redemption  of  man  forever  frustrated. 
The  powers  of  darkness  were  all  in  ai-ms,  and  on  the 
alert.  And  never,  since  the  first  moment  of  his  fall, 
did  Satan  put  forth  all  the  tremendous  energies  of 
"archangel  ruined"  as  now.  He  knew  it  was  the 
crisis  of  his  empire. 

" '  And  now,'  said  Adam,  '  the  night  of  the  second 
day  was  far  spent.  The  hour  of  Zion's  deliverance 
was  at  hand.  I  drew  near  to  the  sepulchre,'  said  he, 
'  and  looked  in  upon  the  scene.  The  terror  and  alarm 
of  the  hosts  of  hell  had  been  communicated  to  the 
grim  monster  himself.  Never,  since  his  empire  was 
founded,  had  he  triumphed  over  such  a  victim.  And 
now  he  dreads  lest  this  wonderful  victim  shall  buist 
from  his  prison.     Excited  fear  gave  unwonted  paleness 

7* 


■^g  THE    RESUKRECTION. 

to  his  pale  cheek,  as,  brandishing  his  dreadful  dart,  of 
triple  barb,  yet  red  and  reeking  with  the  blood  of  Cal- 
vary, the  fell  tyrant  stood  between  the  cold  body  of  the 
Son  of  God  and  the  door  of  the  tomb,  in  the  stern 
attitude  of  most  determined  resistance.  I  heard  the 
loud  call  of  Satan ;  it  sounded  as  if  issuing  from  the 
caverns  of  despair.  "  King  of  terrors !  guard  your 
prey !  The  hour  has  come  !  "  I  looked  round,  and 
saw  in  the  east  the  rising  brightness  of  the  morning 
star  ;  and  behold,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  descended  from 
heaven,  —  his  countenance  was  like  lightning,  and  his 
raiment  white  as  snow, — and  rolled  the  huge  stone  from 
the  door  of  the  sepulchre.  The  strong  bands  of  death 
burst  asunder  with  the  shock  of  a  mighty  earthquake. 
Within  the  tomb  a  moan  was  heard  like  the  wail  of  a 
dying  empire.  Another  moment,  and  the  ghastly 
monster,  ten  thousand  terrors  in  his  eye,  came  stagger- 
ing backward  out  of  the  sepulchre,  mortally  wounded 
by  an  arm  divine.  His  dart  broken,  his  crown  shat- 
tered, backward,  backward  he  falls  to  earth ;  his 
entire  frame  writhing  and  convulsed  in  those  frightful 
throes  that  portend  speedy  dissolution. 

"  '  But  who  may  speak  of  the  Conqueror?  Who  may 
tell  the  glories  with  which  he  was  adorned,  when, 
"  travelling  in  the  greatness  of  his  strength,"  he  appeared 
victorious  over  sin,  and  death,  and  hell  ?  The  multi- 
tudes of  the  redeemed  hailed,  and  blessed,  and  gave 
honor  and  hallelujahs  to  his  name.  The  angelic  armies 
joined  in  the  praise,  and  even  the  frame  of  nature,  that 
was  convulsed  when  he  died,  seemed  to  share  in  the 
triumph  now.  "  The  morning  stars  sang  together,  and 
all  the  sons  of  God  shouted  for  joy."  '  " 


PROOF    OF    THE    ATONEMENT.  79 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

PROOF    OF    THE    ATONEMENT. 

At  this  point  in  the  discussion,  a  member  of  the 
council  arose,  whose  appearance  was  unHke  any  I  had 
yet  observed.  They  called  him  the  "  Demon  of  the 
Isles."  I  learned  that  the  gospel  had  recently  made 
great  progress  in  his  district. 

"  Is  it  your  wish  to  make  an  inquiry?  "  said  Lucifer. 

"  It  is,"  said  he  of  the  Isles:  "your  majesty  desires 
that  on  all  these  subjects,  we  should  know  and  under- 
stand the  truth." 

"That  is  my  wish,"  said  Lucifer;  "for  though 
among  men  I  am  called  the  father  of  lies,  yet  it  is  only 
to  men  that  we  lie.  Fallen  angels  have  no  interest  in 
deceiving  each  other.     Milton's  doctrine  is  true,  that 

'  Devil  with  devil  damned 
Firm  concord  holds.' 

"  In  all  these  discussions,  it  is  my  wish  that  the  hosts 
of  hell  should  understand  facts  as  they  are.  I  wish 
them  to  know  the  truth,  in  order  that  they  may  know 
how  to  disguise  the  truth ;  how  to  counterfeit  the 
truth;  how  to  war  against  the  truth." 

"  Then,"  said  he  of  the  Isles,  "  I  wish  to  know  how 
it  was  that  one  so  spotless  and  innocent  as  Jesus  Christ, 
came  to  die  a  death  of  such  unparalleled  horror  and 


80  PROOF    OF    THE     ATONEMENT. 

dreadfulness.  So  far  as  my  experience  and  observation 
have  gone,  the  virtuous,  those  who  follow  after  right- 
eousness, and  have  guarded  against  the  snares  of  sin, 
have  peace  in  their  death ;  often,  indeed,  their  dying 
hour  is  a  season  not  only  of  tranquillity,  but  of  tri- 
umph. It  is  where  there  has  been  peculiar  and  extra- 
ordinary guilt  in  life,  that  I  have  witnessed  peculiar 
and  extraordinary  terror  and  anguish  in  the  hour  of 
death.  Have  not  such  been  the  observations  of  your 
majesty  ?  " 

"  Just  so,"  answered  Lucifer,  "  I  could  mention  sev- 
eral reasons  for  the  calmness  and  comfort  of  the  right- 
eous in  death,  as  I  once  heard  them  given  by  a  noted 
divine." 

"  I  should  be  glad  to  hear  them,"  said  the  Demon  of 
the  Isles. 

"  In  the  first  place,  then,"  replied  Lucifer,  "  the  hope 
of  immortality  is  a  powerful  support.  To  the  atheist, 
Avho  looks  upon  death  as  annihilation,  it  is  peculiarly 
dreadful.  In  the  heart  of  man  there  is  a  strong  love 
of  existence.  When  the  atheist  comes  to  the  verge  of 
life,  and  looks  down  into  the  yawning,  unfathomable 
gulf  of  eternal  oblivion,  it  is  not  strange  that 

'  Nature  runs  back  and  shudders  at  the  sight, 
And  every  heartstring  bleeds  at  thought  of  parting.' 

But  the  Christian  has  the  hope  of  immortality.  He 
looks  upon  death  as  a  narrow  stream,  deep  and  cold,  it 
is  true  ;  but  hope  rolls  aside  the  mists  and  clouds  that 
hang  over  its  surface,  and  shows  him  the  green  fields, 
the  unwithering  flowers,  and  hills  of  heavenly  light 
that  are  beyond  ;  and  this  hope  supports  the  Christian 
in  death  :  though  he  goes  down  into  that  dark,  chilling 


PROOF    OF    THE    ATONEMENT.  81 

wave,  yet  he  is  assured  that  he  shall  rise  on  the  oppo- 
site shore,  and  climb  the  everlasting  hills,  and  live 
forever. 

"Another  support  is  the  hope  of  pardon  through 
Christ,  and  that  God  is  reconciled.  The  conscious- 
ness of  unpardoned  guilt  is  an  awful  load  upon  the 
dying  man.  Where  life  has  been  spent  in  treasuring 
up  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath,  and  there  has  been 
no  repentance,  and  no  forgiveness,  it  is  not  strange  that 
death  should  be  the  '  king  of  terrors,'  and  that  the  soul 
in  that  hour  should  be  pierced  through  with  many  sor- 
rows. But  the  Christian  has  the  promise  that  sin  is 
pardoned  through  Christ  :  that  its  condemning  power 
is  removed,  far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west.  And  this 
hope  of  pardon,  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul,  sure  and 
steadfast,  is  another  support  in  a  dying  hour. 

"  There  is  a  third  support,  furnished  by  the  gospel, 
to  the  Christian  in  death.  It  is  the  assurance  of  a  home 
in  heaven  ;  an  inheritance  there  that  never  shall  fade 
away.  Death  removes  the  sinner  from  his  home,  his 
possessions,  and  all  that  is  dear  to  him  on  earth,  and  he 
is  quite  unfurnished  for  the  world  to  come.  He  must 
go  where  he  has  made  no  provision  ;  where  he  has  no 
inheritance,  no  home.  It  is  not  strange,  therefore,  that 
the  pangs  of  parting  from  earth  should  be  awful.  But 
the  Christian  is  assured,  that  when  his  earthly  house  is 
dissolved,  he  shall  find  a  building  Avith  God,  a  house 
not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens;  that, 
when  he  leaves  earth,  he  shall  join  the  general  assem- 
bly of  the  church  of  the  first  born,  whose  names  are 
written  in  heaven  ;  that  there  he  shall  inherit  a  crown 
of  life,  a  robe  of  salvation,  an  exceeding  and  eternal 


82  PROOF     OF    THE     ATONEMENT. 

weight  of  glory,  and  sliall  sit  down  with  Abraham,  and 
Isaac,  and  Jacob  in  the  kingdom  of  God.  These  are 
the  hopes  that  bear  np  the  Christian  in  the  trying  hour. 
This  support  gave  triumph  to  Stephen  and  to  Paul 
amidst  tlie  sufferings  of  martyrdom.  This  support 
gave  triumph  to  Harriet  Newell,  to  ,Pai/son,  and  to 
thousands  who  in  their  last  moments  have  seemed  to 
be  conquerors,  and  more  than  conquerors,  over  death 
itself." 

.  ''  But  I  would  like  to  ask,"  said  the  Demon  of  the 
Isles,  "  had  not  Jesus  Christ  all  these  supports,  in  the 
hour  of  death,  to  as  great  a  degree  as  any  of  his 
followers?  " 

"  To  as  great  a  degree  ?  "  answered  Lucifer.  "  He 
had  all  these  supports  to  an  extent  unspeakably  beyond 
that  possessed  by  any  of  his  followers.  As  to  the  first 
I  mentioned, —  the  doctrine  of  immortality, — he  had 
this  before  him,  in  a  clearness  and  perfection  of  which 
neither  Stephen,  nor  Paul,  nor  any  of  his  followers 
were  capable.  He  had  come  from  God,  and  to  God  he 
was  returning.  Heaven  was  his  home,  where  he  had 
dAvelt  from  eternity. 

"  As  to  the  second  support  which  I  mentioned,  —  viz., 
the  favor  and  approbation  of  God,  —  he  had  this  in  the 
highest  degree.  Repeatedly  a  miraculous  voice  had 
come  from  heaven,  saying,  '  This  is  my  beloved  Son, 
in  whom  I  am  well  pleased.'  And  he  knew  that  his 
whole  life  was  perfectly  acceptable  to  his  heavenly  Fa- 
ther, And  as  to  the  third  support,  —  the  glory  beyond 
the  grave,  —  the  prospect  before  Christ  had  a  bright- 
ness and  grandeur  unparalleled.  He  knew  that  because 
he  had  humbled  himself,  and  become   obedient  unto 


PROOF    or    THE     ATONEMENT.  83 

death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross,  therefore  God  would 
highly  exalt  him,  and  give  him  a  name  above  every 
name,  that  on  his  head  should  be  '  many  crowns,'  and 
that  every  knee  should  bow  to  him,  and  every  tongue 
confess,  of  things  on  earth  and  things  in  heaven.  He 
knew  that  the  day  of  his  ascension  to  his  throne  above 
would  be  the  jubilee  of  all  the  celestial  world ;  that 
the  everlasting  gates  would  be  lifted  up,  and  the  doors 
of  heaven  opened  wide,  that  the  King  of  glory  might 
come  in  ,•  he  knew  that  the  rapturous  triumph  of  this 
scene  would  incomparably  surpass  all  that  cherubim  or 
seraphim,  since  the  morning  of  their  creation,  had  yet 
beheld  in  the  palace  of  the  great  God." 

"  Now,"  said  he  of  the  Isles,  "  that  is  precisely  the 
point  to  which  I  wished  to  come.  With  all  this  glori- 
ous exaltation  set  before  him,  how  did  Christ  meet 
death  ?  Did  he  meet  death  as  Stephen  met  it  ?  or  as 
Paul  met  it  ?  or  as  countless  multitudes  of  saints  have 
since  met  death  ?  No :  at  the  approach  of  death  his 
soul  is  '  exceeding  sorrowful ; '  he  is  in  '  an  agony; '  his 
sweat  is  as  great  drops  of  blood  falling  to  the  ground  ; 
he  offers  up  strong  cries  and  tears;  he  prostrates  him- 
self on  the  earth,  and  prays,  *  O  my  Father,  if  it  be 
possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me.'  He  exclaims,  '  My 
God !  my  God  !  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ! '  And 
the  rending  vail  of  the  temple,  the  bursting  rocks,  the 
quaking  earth,  the  opening  graves,  and  the  startled 
dead,  all  proclaim  that  a  load  of  enormous  anguish 
pressed  on  the  soul  of  the  Redeemer  when  he  died. 

"  How  is  it,"  said  he,  "  that  a  life  so  spotless  and 
pure  is  followed  by  a  death  so  ineffably  dreadful  ;  and 
that  prospects  beyond  the  grave,  that  have  so  amply 


84  PROOF    OF    THE    ATONEMENT. 

supported  the  followers  of  Christ  in  the  trying  hour, 
seem  to  have  afforded  no  support  to  their  Lord  and 
Master,  though  set  before  him  in  a  much  more  exalted 
and  brilliant  light  ?  " 

"  Belial,"  said  Lucifer,  turning  to  his  prime  minister, 
"  come,  give  an  answer  to  this  question  of  the  member 
from  the  isles."  ' 

"  It  has  been  remarked,"  said  Belial,  rising  and  step- 
ping forward,  "  that  among  ourselves  we  speak  the 
truth.  Fallen  angels  have  no  inducement  to  deceive 
each  other.  It  is  to  the  sons  of  men  that  we  speak 
falsehood,  for  the  purpose  of  deception.  Now,  the  facts 
that  have  been  mentioned  in  the  sufferings  of  the 
Savior,  furnish  the  strongest  proof  possible  that  his 
sufferings  were  vicarious.  That  is,  he  suffered,  not  for 
himself,  but  for  the  sins  of  men." 

"Was  this  the  cause  why  the  sorrows  of  Christ  were 
so  intense  and  overwhelming  ? "  asked  the  Demon  of 
the  Isles. 

"  Certainly,"  said  Belial ;  "  no  other  adequate  cause 
can  possibly  be  assigned.  The  prophet  Isaiah  gives 
the  true  reason.  He  says,  '  He  was  wounded  for  our 
transgressions ;  he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities ;  the 
chastisement  of  our  peace  Avas  laid  upon  him.'  " 

"  Is  this,  then,"  said  he  of  the  Isles,  "  the  whole  reason 
of  the  striking  contrast  between  the  death  of  Christ 
and  the  death  of  Paul  ?  " 

"  This  is  the  whole  reason,"  answered  Belial.  "  Christ 
presented  himself  before  a  throne  of  justice,  Paul  stood 
before  a  throne  of  mercy ;  Christ  met  death  in  all  its 
terrors,  Paul  met  death  as  a  foe  that  was  vanquished ; 


PROOF    OF    THE    ATONEMENT.  85 

Christ  died  to  take  the  sting  from  death,  Paul  encoun- 
tered death  after  his  sting  was  taken  away." 

Here  Belial  paused,  and  looked  round  on  the  assem- 
bly, who  all  appeared  profoundly  engrossed  with  the 
subject.  "  The  doctrine  of  the  atonement  for  sin," 
said  he,  "  is  the  corner-stone  of  the  Christian  system : 
it  is  a  doctrine  against  which  all  the  hosts  of  hell  are 
most  inveterate  :  long  and  laboriously  have  I  toiled  for 
its  overthrow:  from  early  candle-light,  till  three  and 
four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  have  I  sat  by  the  sceptical 
expositor  of  the  Scriptures,  and  aided  him  with  all  the 
devilish  ingenuity  I  possessed,  to  gloss  over,  new  trans- 
late, and  wrest  from  their  plain  meaning,  texts  of  Scrip- 
ture in  which  this  doctrine  was  clearly  taught.  In  this 
department  I  have  had  very  gratifying  success.  But 
these  recorded  facts  of  the  awful  anguish  of  the  Re- 
deemer, when  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him,  and 
make  his  soul  an  offering  for  sin  —  these  recorded  facts, 
I  say,  are  stubborn  and  unyielding  :  for  eighteen  hun- 
dred years  I  have  studied  the  subject,  and  racked  my 
invention  to  find  some  way  to  escape  from  their  force, 
or  set  the  argument  aside  ;  but  as  yet  I  have  not  had 
the  shadow  of  success.  Ingenuity  and  perseverance, 
however,  may  yet  accomplish  much.  But"  —  he 
turned  to  Lucifer — "perhaps  I  occupy  too  much  time, 
your  majesty  was  about  to  rehearse  the  account  that 
Adam  gave  of  the  doings  of  the  risen  Redeemer." 
8 


86  THE    GOSPEL. 


CHAPTER   IX. 


THE     GOSPEL. 


"  There  were  a  few  other  things,"  said  Lucifer, 
"  in  Adam's  discourse,  which  I  designed  to  mention. 
He  spake  of  the  ordinances  of  the  house  of  God  ;  the 
Sabbath,  solemn  assemblies,  prayer,  and  praise ;  but 
dwelt  particularly  on  the  Lord's  supper,  baptism,  and 
institution  of  a  visible  church. 

"  He  said,  '  There  is  much  truth  reaches  the  human 
soul  through  the  eye  as  well  as  through  the  ear ;  and 
hence,  in  every  age  of  the  world,  God  has  employed 
visible  signs  and  visible  representations  of  spiritual 
things.  He  spake  of  the  rainbow,  the  passover,  and  the 
blood  that  was  shed  and  sprinkled  at  the  Jewish  altar. 
In  like  manner,  visible  signs  of  great  spiritual  truths 
and  facts  were  employed  under  the  new  testament.' 

"  He  said, '  Man,  in  his  lost  estate,  is  guilty,  polluted, 
and  an  alien  from  God.  In  the  Lord's  supper,  the  ground 
of  pardon  is  set  forth  ;  the  bread  and  the  wine  are  lively 
emblems  of  the  cost  by  which  pardon  was  purchased.' 

"  He  spake  of  the  appropriateness  and  power  of  that 
ordinance  ;  how  it  speaks  to  the  heart,  and  how,  in  every 
land  where  the  Lord's  table  is  spread,  the  knowledge 
of  the  sufferings  of  Christ  in  the  room  of  men  is  spread 
far  and  Vv^ide. 


THE    GOSPEL.  87 

"  'But  man,'  said  he,  'needs  purification  as  well  as 
pardon  ;  and  hence  the  Head  of  the  church  has  ap- 
pointed the  baptismal  water,  to  represent  to  the  eye  and 
to  the  heart  the  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  hy 
which  the  stain  and  pollution  of  sin  is  removed  from 
the  soul.  Wherever  the  Lord's  supper  is  properly  ad- 
ministered, and  its  design  and  import  clearly  expounded, 
there  the  doctrine  of  the  atonement  will  be  generally 
understood.  And  wherever  the  ordinance  of  baptism 
is  properly  administered,  and  its  design  and  import 
clearly  explained,  there  the  agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
in  cleansing  the  soul  from  sin  will  also  be  understood. 
But  let  the  design  of  either  of  these  ordinances  be  ob- 
scured or  misrepresented,  and  there  men  will  not  un- 
derstand the  gospel  clearly. 

"  '  The  institution  of  a  visible  church,'  said  he, '  brings 
before  the  eye  the  great  doctrine  of  adoption  into  the 
family  of  God.  Man,  who  by  sin  was  an  alien  and  an 
outcast  from  God,  on  embracing  the  gospel  is  pardoned, 
and  sanctified,  and  adopted  into  the  family  of  God  ; 
is  constituted  an  heir  of  God,  and  a  joint  heir  with 
Christ.  The  visible  church  had  been  established  in 
the  world  at  a  very  early  day  :  patriarchs  and  prophets 
had  enjoyed  its  privileges;  but  now,  under  the  gospel, 
the  light  of  redemption  shone  clearer,  and  the  ordinances 
of  the  church  were  more  simple  and  impressive. 

"  'The  risen  Redeemer,'  said  Adam,  'remained  with 
his  disciples  forty  days  after  his  resurrection,  teaching 
and  instructing  them  in  the  things  pertaining  to  the 
kingdom  of  God  ;  and  then,  just  before  his  ascension  to 
heaven,  he  commissioned  them  to  go  into  all  the  world 
and  preach  the  gospel,  baptizing  and  administering  all 


88  THE    GOSPEL. 

the  ordinances  of  the  church  ;  and  he  promised  them 
his  presence  and  blessing  alway,  even  to  the  end  of 
the  world.  He  charged  them,  however,  to  begin  at 
Jerusalem. 

"  '  I  must  not  omit,'  said  Adam,  '  to  mention  the  joy 
and  triumph  with  which  patriarchs  and  prophets  were 
inspired,  on  witnessing  the  first  victories  of  the  gospel. 
Enoch,  Noah,  Elijah,  Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  and  Daniel,  and 
many  others,  had  been  preachers  of  righteousness  in 
seasons  very  dark,  when  the  broad  road  was  thronged 
with  heedless  and  hardened  multitudes,  and  the  word 
of  God  had  little  success  in  turning  men  from  sin.  The 
spirit  of  prophecy  had  foretold  a  brighter  day  for  Zion  ; 
but  these  venerable  men  had  lived,  and  labored,  and 
died,  while  the  darkness  remained  unmitigated,  and  the 
powers  of  sin,  like  a  wide-spreading  and  resistless  flood, 
carried  all  before  them. 

•"When  now  these  old  soldiers  beheld  the  cause  which 
they  loved  becoming  victorious,  when  they  saw  many 
thousands  in  a  day  turning  from  Satan  unto  God,  their 
transports  were  very  great ;  and  louder  hallelujahs  were 
given  to  God  than  ever  before  had  been  sung  by  the 
ransomed  multitudes  around  the  throne.'  " 

Here  the  demon  from  Madagascar  rose  again,  and 
stood  like  a  pillar  of  darkness  in  the  midst  of  the  as- 
sembly. "  Did  you  say  that  Christ  commanded  his 
disciples  to  begin  their  preaching  of  the  gospel  at  Jeru- 
salem ?  " 

"  I  did,"  replied  Lucifer. 

"Why,  that  is  very  strange,"  said  he  of  Madagascar. 
"  I  should  have  thought  that  Jerusalem  was  the  last 
place  on  the  globe  to  which  the  risen  Redeemer  would 


THE    GOSPEL.  89 

have  sent  his  gospel.  There  they  had  the  sacred  ora- 
cles, that  plainly  foretold  his  coming  for  ages  before  he 
appeared." 

"Yes,"  said  Lucifer,  "they  had  all  the  writings  of 
Moses  and  the  prophets." 

"  And  in  these  sacred  writings,  the  family  and  the 
house  from  which  Christ  should  arise  were  clearly 
pointed  out,  as  also  the  time,  place,  and  manner  of  his 
appeai'ing." 

"That  also  is  true,"  replied  Lucifer. 

"And  yet."  said  he  of  Madagascar,  "the  people  of 
Jerusalem  laid  hands  on  him  as  a  malefactor,  insulted 
and  smote  him  with  their  hands  in  the  hall  of  the  high 
priest,  accused  him  of  flagrant  crimes  before  Pilate,  and 
while  he  hung  bleeding  in  the  agonies  of  death,  they 
Avalked  around  the  cross,  and  wagged  their  heads,  and 
mocked  the  pangs  in  which  he  died." 

"'  True,  every  word  true,"  answered  Lucifer. 

"  And  when  he  was  laid  in  the  sepulchre,  they  went  to 
Pilate,  and  urged  him  to  station  a  strong  guard  around 
the  sepulchre,  to  prevent,  if  possible,  his  resurrection 
from  the  dead.  And  after  he  arose,  they  gave  large  sums 
of  money  to  the  soldiers,  to  bribe  them  to  circulate 
through  the  city  the  falsehood  — '  His  disciples  came  by 
night  and  stole  him  away,  while  we  slept.'  " 

"  Well,"  said  liUcifer.  and  what  is  your  inference 
from  all  this,?  " 

"Why,"  said  the  demon,  "I  should  have  thought 
that  Christ  would  have  directed  his  disciples  to  go  into 
all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  otlier  peo- 
ple, before  any  more  time  or  labor  was  expended  with 
ungrateful,  hard-hearted,  incorrigible  Jeri]salem.      I  say 

8* 


90 


THE    GOSPEL. 


it  is  strange,  yes,  passing  strange,  that  the  first  mes- 
sage of  mercy  should  be  sent  to  those  who  were  most 
undeserving.  '  Begin  at  Jerusalem  ! '  Why,  the  frame 
of  nature  might  tremble  and  quake  when  its  Creator 
was  suffering,  but  the  people  of  Jerusalem  were  un- 
moved. The  rocks  might  rend,  and  earth  and  heaven 
put  on  blackness  and  mourning,  but  they  exulted  and 
triumphed  in  his  dying  agonies,  I  say,  it  is  strange  he 
should  have  commanded  them  to  begin  at  Jerusalem." 

"You  have  raised  the  very  question,"  said  Lucifer, 
"  which  was  propounded  to  Adam  by  one  of  his  audi- 
ence, who  also  thought  it  perfectly  wonderful  that  the 
Son  of  God  should  give  such  a  command,  considering 
the  unparalleled  guilt  of  Jerusalem." 

"  Did  Adam  explain  this  difficult  point  ?"  asked  the 
demon. 

"He  did,"  said  Lucifer. 

"  Let  us  hear  the  explanation  he  gave." 

"  He  said,"  replied  Lucifer,  "  that  three  or  four  strong 
reasons  could  be  assigned  for  this  command. 

"'First,'  he  said,  'the  gospel  is  the  gospel  of  light. 
It  claims  investigation.  It  claims  to  be  received  on  its 
own  appropriate  evidence.  God  never  would  have  sus- 
pended the  salvation  of  men  on  the  condition  of  receiv- 
ing a  religion  which  was  not  supported  by  competent 
proof.  Now,'  said  he,  '  at  Jerusalem  there  was  every 
opportunity  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  the  gospel.  There 
Christ  had  lived.  There  his  miracles  had  been  per- 
formed. There,  in  one  family  was  the  man  that  had 
been  born  blind,  and  Christ  had  opened  his  eyes.  His 
father  and  mother,  sisters,  brothers,  and  neighbors  were 
witnesses  of  the  fact. 


THE    GOSPEL.  91 

" '  In  another  family  was  the  daughter  that  was  a 
hmatic,  and  Christ  liad  healed  her.  In  another  was 
the  man  that  had  the  palsy,  and  Christ  had  made  him 
whole  ;  and  in  another  was  the  brother  that  had  been 
dead,  and  Christ  had  raised  him  to  life.  Now,  members 
of  the  family  and  the  near  neighbors  could  not  be 
mistaken  in  matters  of  this  kind.  And  these  divine 
works  of  Christ  proved  the  divinity  of  the  gospel. 

" '  Had  the  apostles,'  said  he,  '  gone  into  some  distant 
land,  beyond  mountains  and  seas,  and  there  founded  the 
church,  and  made  converts,  the  modern  sceptic  might 
have  objected  that  the  first  converts  to  the  gospel  had 
no  opportunity  of  fairly  and  fully  examining  its  claims 
to  divine  origin.  But  what  said  the  command  of  Christ  ? 
"  Go,  my  disciples,  begin  at  Jerusalem.  There,  all  the 
facts  of  your  Savior's  life  are  within  the  reach  of  every 
honest  inquirer.  Go,  begin  at  Jerusalem,  where  the 
Jewish  lawyers  and  Jewish  doctors,  men  of  high  talent 
and  profound  learning,  are  most  deeply  interested  in  dis- 
proving the  gospel,  if  they  can.  Let  those  men,  skilled 
and  experienced  in  sifting  and  searching  subjects  to  the 
bottom,  artful  and  expert  in  examining  and  cross-exam- 
ining witnesses,  —  let  those  talented  and  influential  ene- 
mies of  the  gospel  try  their  utmost.  Go  to  Jerusalem, 
and  go  7irnv,  while  the  public  officers  are  unchanged ; 
while  Pilate,  Herod,  and  the  high  priest,  are  still  in 
power.  Go  iioio,  while  the  events  are  all  recent  and 
fresh  in  the  public  mind.  And  if  the  gospel  can  abide 
the  scrutiny  and  investigation  of  Jerusalem,  if  it  can 
triumph  over  the  obstinacy  and  unbelief  of  Jerusalem, 
then  carry  the  joyful  tidings  to  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
and  let  all  the  nations  know  that  that  gospel  is  from 


92  THE    GOSPEL. 

God,  which  achieved  its  first  victories,  heginning  at 
Jerusalem."  '  " 

"  Tremendous  !  "  exclaimed  the  Madagascar  demon, 
rising  and  walking  back  and  forth  for  a  minute  or  two. 
"I  see  the  force  of  that.  The  gospel  is  the  gospel  of 
light,  and  calls  for  an  examination  of  its  truth,"  said 
he,  speaking  the  words  slowly,  as  if  weighing  them  in 
his  own  mind;  "therefore  begin  at  Jerusalem." 

"  But  the  next  reason  given  by  Adam  was  of  equal 
force,"  said  Lucifer. 

"Ah,"  said  he  of  Madagascar:  "pray,  let  us  hear." 

"  He  said,  '  The  gospel  is  the  gospel  of  grace.  It  is 
God's  free  favor  to  the  guilty,  and  the  riches  of  this 
grace  were  best  illustrated  by  beginning  at  Jerusalem. 
Fallen  man  is  slow  to  believe  in  the  freeness  and  rich- 
ness of  the  grace  of  the  gospel.  And  it  has  long  been 
the  policy  of  hell  to  crowd  the  minds  of  men  with 
doubts  and  unbelief  on  this  whole  subject.  While  men 
are  careless  in  sin,  the  plan  of  the  tempter  is  to  let  them 
alone.  But  when  conscience  is  alarmed,  and  the 
awakened  sinner  begins  to  examine  how  the  account 
stands  between  his  soul  and  God,  —  when  abused  mer- 
cies, wasted  time,  despised  opportunities,  with  all  the 
long  catalogue  of  crimes  committed  against  God,  rise  in 
black  and  terrible  array  before  the  startled  soul,  —  then 
the  tempter  bestirs  himself  to  drive  the  man  to  despair 
of  the  mercy  of  God.  And  often  the  sinner,  at  this 
juncture,  concluding  that  there  is  no  hope  for  him,  will 
turn  spiritual  bankrupt  in  self-defence  ;  that  is,  he  will 
attempt  to  pay  off  the  whole  by  denying  the  debt. 
He  will  turn  atheist,  deist,  or  universalist,  as  the  only 
method  of  quieting  an  alarmed  conscience.     This  is 


THE    GOSPEL,  93 

what  Isaiah  calls  "  making  a  covenant  with  death,  and 
coming  to  an  agreement  with  hell."  Now,  the  gospel 
is  the  gospel  of  grace,  and  it  is  sufficient  to  reach  the 
case  of  the  chief  of  sinners.  It  was  the  design  of  the 
Redeemer  that  the  freeness  and  the  richness  of  the 
gospel  should  be  strongly  set  forth  in  the  very  infancy 
of  its  career.  "  Go,  my  disciples,  begin  at  Jerusalem. 
There,  light,  which  kings  and  prophets  desired  to  see, 
has  been  rejected.  There,  wisdom,  greater  than  that 
which  brought  the  queen  of  the  south  from  the  utter- 
most parts  of  the  earth,  has  been  scorned  ;  there,  warn- 
ings have  been  given,  surpassing  those  which  brought 
the  men  of  Nineveh  to  repentance  ;  there,  works  have 
been  performed  which,  had  they  been  done  in  Tyre 
and  Zidon,  they  would  long  ago  have  repented  in  sack- 
cloth and  ashes.  Had  they  been  done  in  Sodom  and 
Gomorrah,  they  would  have  remained  to  this  day.  Yet 
go  again  to  Jerusalem.  There,  the  stain  of  sin  is  black- 
est ;  there,  the  load  of  guilt  is  heaviest ;  there,  the  fatal 
leprosy  has  fastened  its  strongest  grasp  on  the  vitals  of 
the  soul.  Preach  in  Jerusalem  the  omnipotence  of  a 
Savior's  love  ;  the  efficacy  of  a  Savior's  blood  ;  the 
length,  and  breadth,  and  depth,  and  height,  of  a  Sa- 
vior's pardoning  mercy.  Call  to  repentance  those  who 
accused  me  before  Pilate,  and  those  who  stood  as  false 
witnesses  there.  Call  to  repentance  those  who  called 
for  Barabbas,  and  those  who  put  the  crown  of  thorns 
upon  my  head.  Tell  those  who  drove  the  nails  through 
my  hands,  and  the  spear  into  my  side,  that  the  blood 
which  they  shed  cleanseth  from  all  sin.  Let  the  sol- 
diers, who  for  three  days  guarded  the  tomb,  and  the 
rulers  who  bribed  them  to  circulate  falsehood  concern- 


94  THE    GOSPEL. 

ing  my  resurrection,  know  that  Christ,  who  died  there, 
and  was  buried  there,  and  rose  there,  is  *  mighty  to 
save.'  Bid  them  repent,  and  look,  and  be  saved.  Yes, 
go  and  preach,  beghming  at  Jerusalem ;  and  when  it  is 
demonstrated  that  the  gospel  can  wash  out  the  stain  of 
crime,  take  off  the  load  of  guilt,  and  bring  back  to  the 
family  of  God  the  prodigal  at  Jerusalem ;  then  bear  the 
glad  tidings  to  every  nation,  and  let  every  people  know 
that  Christ  can  save  to  the  uttermost  all  that  come  to 
him."  '  " 

"  Thunder  and  lightning  !  "  exclaimed  he  of  Madagas- 
car. ''  I  had  no  thought  the  reasons  could  be  so  strong. 
Did  you  say  that  Adam  assigned  yet  other  reasons  for 
the  command  to  begin  at  Jerusalem?  " 

"  He  did :  his  third  reason  was  this :  '  The  gospel,'  he 
said,  '  is  the  gospel  of  power.  It  is  designed  to  subdue 
the  nations  to  God.  It  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salva- 
tion to  every  one  that  believeth.' 

"  '  Now,'  said  he,  '  from  the  earliest  apostasy,  the 
strong  current  of  the  human  soul  had  been  do7V7ivmrd, 
and  all  attempts  to  turn  it  back  to  God  had  been  at- 
tended with  but  limited  success.  Patriarchs,  prophets, 
and  holy  men  had  labored  to  arrest  this  strong  torrent 
of  depravity,  but  it  proved  too  strong.  The  great 
majority  had  preferred  the  broad  road. 

"'Now,'  said  Adam,  'the  power  of  sin  over  the 
nations  was  so  great,  its  empire  so  firmly  established, 
that  it  was  a  question  of  mighty  interest  among  the 
friends  of  God  on  earth  and  in  heaven,  —  Is  there  en- 
ergy in  the  gospel  sufficient  to  overturn  the  fortresses 
of  sin,  and  turn  the  world  to  God?  Now,  the  gospel  is 
the  gospel  of  power,  and  Christ  would  give  a  decisive 


THE    GOSPEL.  95 

demonstration  of  its  power,  at  the  period  of  its  first 
proclamation  by  the  apostles,  "  Go,  begin  at  Jerusalem. 
There,  the  hearts  of  men  are  hardest,  and  the  preju- 
dices against  the  gospel  strongest.  Go,  begin  at  Jeru- 
salem, and  if  the  gospel  can  triumph  over  the  stubborn 
spirits  there,  —  yes,  if  it  can  bring  the  hard-hearted 
sinners  of  Jerusalem,  contrite,  humbled,  to  the  feet  of 
the  Savior,  —  then  let  the  friends  of  God  on  earth  and  in 
heaven  be  assured  that  the  gospel,  attended  by  the  Di- 
vine Spirit,  will  accomplish  all  that  glorious  revolution 
in  a  dark  and  fallen  world,  which  prophets  and  holy 
seers  have  so  brilliantly  predicted,  and  the  saints  of 
God  have  so  ardently  desired  to  see."  '  " 

"  Strong  as  the  earthquake,"  exclaimed  he  of  Mada- 
gascar. 

"  There  was  yet  again,"  continued  Lucifer,  "■  a  fourth 
reason  given  by  Adam  for  this  command  of  the  Mes- 
siah, which  you  think  so  strange." 

"  Mention  it,  if  you  please,"  said  the  Madagascar 
demon.  "  I  wish  fully  to  understand  this  subject.  In 
the  great  contest  which  your  majesty  has  told  us  is  ap- 
proaching, we  shall  all  need  to  be  thoroughly  furnished 
and  prepared." 

"Well,"  said  Lucifer,  "his  fourth  reason  was  this: 
he  alleged,  that  '  it  is  the  plan  of  Jehovah  to  give  effi- 
cacy to  the  gospel  in  answer  to  prayer.  The  prayers 
of  the  church,'  said  he,  '  bring  from  heaven  a  blessing 
on  the  preached  word. 

"  '  Now,'  said  he,  <  at  Jerusalem,  and  only  at  Jerusa- 
lem, at  that  period,  there  was  a  little  church  to  hold  up 
the  hands  of  the  apostles  while  they  labored  by  effec- 
tual  and    fervent   prayer.       It   was,    therefore,   wisely 


96  THE    GOSPKL. 

ordained  in  that  dark  age,  that  the  apostles  should  begin 
at  Jerusalem  their  great  enterprise  of  turning  a  fallen 
world  to  God.'  " 

Here  the  spirits  of  darkness  looked  agitated  and  con- 
fused, but  continued  in  profound  silence,  while  the 
chief  made  a  deep  pause.  At  length  the  demon  of 
Madagascar  inquired,  — 

"  Were  there  any  other  particulars  in  Adam's  address 
which  your  majesty  designs  to  mention  ?  " 

"  He  spake,"  said  Lucifer,  "  of  the  intercession  of 
Christ  in  a  style  that  appeared  to  fill  with  astonishment 
and  delight  the  multitudes  whom  he  addressed.  He 
expatiated  on  the  doctrine  of  the  Savior's  intercession, 
as  one  of  the  distinguishing  doctrines  of  the  Christian 
system.  '  A  doctrine,'  said  he,  '  rich  in  comfort  and 
consolation  to  the  church.'  He  drew  an  illustration 
from  the  history  of  Moses.  When  Israel,  on  their 
journey  through  the  wilderness,  were  attacked  by  the 
armies  of  Amalek,  Moses  went  up  to  the  top  of  a 
mountain  that  overlooked  the  battle  plain,  and  held  up 
his  hands  in  prayer  to  the  God  of  battles ;  and  while 
Moses  held  up  his  hands,  Israel  prevailed. 

"  Said  he,  '  Every  soldier,  while  striving  with  the 
enemy  in  the  plain  below,  was  encouraged  and 
strengthened  when  he  lifted  up  his  eyes  to  the  top  of 
the  mountain,  and  saw  this  holy  man  earnestly  inter- 
ceding for  their  success.  In  like  manner,  the  soldiers 
of  the  cross,  while  engaged  in  the  spiritual  warfare, 
have  been  cheered  and  comforted,  when,  lifting  their 
eyes  to  the  everlasting  hills,  they  have  beheld  Him 
who  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  them.' 

"But  the  power  and  prevalence  of  the  Mediator's 


THE    GOSPEL.  97 

intercession  was  the  point  on  which  he  chiefly  enlarged. 
'  If  the  prayer  of  Abraham,'  said  he,  '  in  behalf  of  guil- 
ty Sodom,  had  such  power;  if  the  prayer  of  Moses  for 
Israel  was  so  successful ;  if  the  prayer  of  Elijah  could 
shut  and  open  the  windows  of  heaven,  —  what  shall 
we  say  of  the  efiicacy  of  that  intercession  offered  up  in 
behalf  of  the  church  by  God's  incarnate  Son  ?  '  " 

Here  a  demon  stood  up,  on  whose  brow  was  collect- 
ed the  blackness  and  fury  of  the  thunder-storm.  "  Did 
Adam,"  said  he,  "  speak  of  the  promises  given  for  the 
success  of  the  gospel  ?  " 

"  He  did,"  replied  Lucifer.  "  He  rehearsed  many  of 
those  glowing  passages  found  in  the  prophets  on  that 
subject ;  particularly,  '  The  word  that  Isaiah,  the  son 
of  Amos,  saw  concerning  Judah  and  Jerusalem.  And 
it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days,  that  the  moun- 
tain of  the  Lord's  house  shall  be  established  in  the  top 
of  the  mountains,  and  shall  be  exalted  above  the  hills  ; 
and  all  nations  shall  flow  unto  it.  And  many  people 
shall  go  and  say.  Come  ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the 
mountain  of  the  Lord,  to  the  house  of  the  God  of 
Jacob ;  and  he  will  teach  us  of  his  ways,  and  we  will 
walk  in  his  paths;  for  out  of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the 
law,  and  the  word  of  the  Lord  from  Jerusalem.'  '  Yes,' 
he  exclaimed,  '  the  Lord's  house  shall  stand,  in  the  view 
of  men,  higher  than  politics,  commerce,  agriculture,  or 
any  earthly  interest,  established  in  the  top  of  the  moun- 
tains, and  exalted  above  the  hills,  and  all  nations  shall 
flow  unto  it.'  And  I  will  only  mention  farther  con- 
cerning his  discourse,  that  he  spake  of  the  second 
coming  of  the  Messiah  in  terms  that  surpassed  all  my 
ears  had  yet  heard  on  that  awful  theme.     I  had  heard 

9 


98  THE    GOSPEL. 

the  discourses  delivered  on  that  subject  by  Enoch  and 
by  Daniel  in  their  day;  I  had  heard  also  Paul,  and 
Peter,  and  John,  in  the  period  of  their  ministry,  often 
preaching  on  this  theme  ;  but  the  picture  which  Adam 
drew  of  the  great  day  was  beyond  all  parallel.  Its 
effect  on  the  vast  audience  he  addressed  I  shall  not 
attempt  to  describe.  But  I  was  now  fully  satisfied 
that  the  prospect  of  success  in  the  enterprise  for  which 
I  had  left  earth,  was  here  exceedingly  doubtful. 

"  It  was  inquired,  by  one  of  the  council  some  time 
since,  if  I  saw  Abel  in  company  with  his  father,  Adam  ? 
I  did  not,  and  yet  Adam  was  not  alone.  Abraham,  the 
father  of  the  faithful,  was  with  him,  and  took  a  large 
share  in  the  services  of  the  occasion.  But  of  Abraham 
and  his  discourse  I  will  tell  you  at  another  time,  not 
now. 

*'  I  made  various  attempts,"  said  Lucifer,  "  to  seduce 
these  worshippers  of  God  from  their  allegiance.  I  will 
not  detain  you  to  mention  them  now.  They  were 
unsuccessful.  It  seemed  that  the  very  knowledge  of 
the  plan  of  man's  redemption  carried  with  it  an  influ- 
ence disastrous  to  the  empire  of  sin.  I  was  reminded 
of  the  heathen  oracles  among  the  Gentiles  being  struck 
dumb,  when  the  first  proclamation  of  the  gospel  came 
abroad. 

"  It  appeared  that  the  mighty  power  of  attraction  that 
holds  such  a  multitude  of  suns,  and  worlds,  and  sys- 
,  tems  in  the  proper  relation  to  their  great  centre,  the 
throne  of  God,  is  not  so  strong  as  that  invisible  power 
that  draws  all  holy  beings  to  the  standard  of  Him  who 
died  for  the  sins  of  men,'' 


DAVID.  99 


CHAPTER   X. 


DAVID. 


"  I  RESOLVED  at  once,"  continued  Lucifer,  '^  to  try 
my  success  in  some  more  distant  province  of  the  wide 
creation.  But  fii'st  I  thought  it  prudent  to  explore 
more  carefully  the  region  where  I.  now  was,  and  ascer- 
tain definitely  whether  missionaries  from  the  new 
Jerusalem  above,  actually  occupied  every  portion  of 
this  great  field. 

"  There  was  a  splendid  globe  rolling  in  its  bright 
orbit,  as  near  to  me  as  the  planet  Jupiter  is  to  the  earth. 
Thither  I  directed  my  way.  On  approaching  it,  the 
first  object  that  caught  my  eye  was  a  great  assembly 
of  the  population,  evidently  in  the  attitude  of  receiv- 
ing public  instruction.  The  discourse,  however,  was 
closed,  and  they  were  now  attending  to  a  song  of  sacred 
praise.  When  the  music  began  to  float  around  me,  its 
tones,  though  transcendently  sweet,  had  something  of 
familiarity,  at  which  I  was  greatly  surprised.  I  had 
certainly  heard  that  strain  before.  Another  moment, 
and  I  could  identify  the  air  of  one  of  the  songs  of 
Zion^  often  sung  in  the  sanctuary  of  ancient  Israel. 
The  theme  was  Incarnate  Divinity  and  Redeeming 
Love.  A  single  voice,  which  I  afterwards  found  was 
that  of  one  of  the  redeemed,  sung  the  body  of  each 


100  DAVID. 

Stanza  alone  ;  and  then  the  ten  thousand  voices  of  the 
multitude  around  would  unite  to  swell  the  chorus. 
The  words  are  imprinted  upon  my  memory  as  with  a 
burning  brand,  and  run  thus  :  — 

SONG   OF  A  REDEEMED   SOUL. 


"How  sweet  to  tell,  through,  heavenly  worlds, 
The  wondrous  love  of  God  ! 
How  sweet  to  sing  Messiah's  name, 

Who  bought  us  with  his  blood ! 
Celestial  armies,  round  the  throne, 

God's  power  and  wisdom  scan : 
But,  O,  the  depth  and  height  of  grace 
Is  only  shown  to  man. 
Chorus.  —  And  has  Immanuel  gone  to  earth. 
And  grace  divine  unfurled  ? 
Wonder  and  praise,  ye  heaven  of  heavens, 
That  «  God  so  loved  the  world  ! ' 

II. 

"  Involved  in  sin,  and  guilt,  and  woe, 
Far  from  Jehovah's  face. 
Without  one  cheering  ray  of  hope. 

Lay  Adam's  ruined  race. 
The  strongest  angel  bands  could  bring 

No  help  to  those  who  fell ; 
WTien,  lo  I  God's  only  Son  appeared 
And  vanquished  Death  and  Hell. 
Chorus.  —  And  has  Immanuel  gone  to  earth. 
And  grace  divine  unfurled  ? 
Wonder  and  praise,  ye  heaven  of  heavens, 
That  '  God  so  loved  the  world ! ' 

III. 

♦Throughout  creation's  boundless  range. 

The  joyful  ncAvs  we'll  bear, 
And  principahties  and  powers, 
In  heavenly  climes  shall  hear. 


DAVID.  101 

The  song  of  grace,  forever  new  — 

That  song  shall  be  our  strain  ; 
And  knees  shall  bow,  and  tongues  confess 
The  Lamb  that  once  was  slain. 
Chorus.  —  And  has  Immanuel  gone  to  earth, 
And  grace  divine  unfurled  ? 
"Wonder  and  praise,  ye  heaven  of  heavens. 
That  '  God  so  loved  the  world  ! ' 

IV. 

»'  To  Abram  first,  in  early  daj-s, 
The  precious  word  was  given. 
That  ransomed  souls  should  far  exceed 

The  countless  stars  of  heaven  ; 
To  each  bright  star  a  mission  band 

Shall  with  the  tidings  go, 
And  tell  what  God  has  done  for  man 
In  yon  dark  world  below. 
Chorus.  —  And  has  Immanuel  gone  to  earth, 
And  grace  divine  unfurled  ? 
"Wonder  and  praise,  ye  heaven  of  heavens. 
That  •  God  so  loved  the  world  ! '  " 

"  But  who  was  this  before  me,  leading  in  this  anthem 
of  lofty  praise  ?  Will  you  believe  me  ?  It  was  David, 
the  Psalmist  of  Israel,  Avith  his  '  harp  of  solemn  sound.' 
The  music  ceased,  and  the  congregation  was  dismissed. 
The  discourse  I  had  not  heard,  my  an'ival  being  too 
late ;  but  from  the  beaming  eyes,  the  animated  coun- 
tenance, the  eager  conversation  of  the  groups  that  now 
clustered  together  and  spoke  of  what  they  heard,  it 
was  plain  that  they  had  not  only  been  interested,  but 
that  their  spirits  had  been  rapt  in  transports  of  the 
sublimest  ecstasy. 

"  In  the  mean  time,  David  was  walking  over  a  field 

of  living  green,  arm  in  arm  with  one  with  whom  he 

appeared  to  be  on  terms  of  the  most  established  apd 

9* 


102  DAVID. 

intimate  friendship.  They  were  not  in  the  act  of  leav- 
ing the  place,  but,  after  the  public  services  of  the  day, 
were  taking  delightful  recreation,  walking  back  and 
forth  among  such  flowers  as  bloom  where  sin  and  death 
have  never  entered.  Their  deportment  exhibited  such 
warm  and  extraordinary  cordiality,  that  my  curiosity 
was  roused.  Who  can  that  be,  that  the  glorified  King 
of  Israel  dignifies  with  such  peculiar  marks  of  fondness 
and  intimacy  ?  They  were  now  approaching  the  place 
where  I  stood,  when,  lo  !  the  form  of  Jonathan,  David's 
early  friend,  was  before  me.  Ah  !  thought  I,  have  you 
been  sent  out,  '  two  and  two,'  as  Christ  sent  out  the 
disciples  of  old  ?  I  was  now  anxious  to  learn  the  sub- 
ject of  their  earnest  conversation.  1  soon  found  it  was 
the  strong  and  mutual  attachment  formed  in  their  early 
days  when  on  earth. 

"'Jonathan,'  said  David,  'let  us  bless  the  name  of 
God  our  Redeemer  for  this  rich  ingredient  in  the  cup 
of  our  salvation,  that  the  friendship  formed  on  earth, 
amidst  the  fretful  and  feverish  agitations  of  that  troubled 
world,  can  be  revived  and  perpetuated  forever  in  this 
immortal  state.' 

"  'I  ascribe  it  all,'  said  Jonathan,  '  to  the  good  prov- 
idence of  God.  But  when  I  saw  you  take  your  life  in 
your  hand  and  go  forth  against  that  gigantic  Philistine, 
who,  day  after  day,  had  insulted  and  defied  the  armies 
of  Israel ;  when  I  saw  you  prevail  against  him,  and 
vindicate  the  honor  of  Israel  and  of  Israel's  God,  the 
attachment  formed  for  you  at  that  hour  in  my  heart, 
was  lasting  as  life,  and  strong  as  the  tie  that  binds  soul 
and  body  together.' 

"  '  I  knew  it,  Jonathan,  I  knew  it.     Long  and  severe- 


DAVID.  103 

ly  were  the  fidelity  and  firmness  of  your  friendship 
tried,  during  the  dark  and  troubled  periods  of  my 
earthly  history.  And  O,  when  I  heard  you  had  fallen 
on  Mount  Gilboa,  how  bitterly  I  wept !  The  remem- 
brance of  all  your  kindness  came  over  me  with  tenfold 
strength  beyond  what  I  had  realized  while  you  were 
living,  I  wondered  I  had  not  seen  it  in  that  over- 
whelming light  before.  I  felt  that  I  had  lost  a  friend 
that  could  never  be  replaced  on  earth  ;  1  felt  as  though 
a  part  of  myself  had  gone  into  the  grave.' 

"  '  I  was  conscious  of  it,  David,  I  was  conscious  of  it. 
And  that  beautiful  ode  that  you  composed  and  sung  to 
my  memory,  gave  me  much  delight.  But  there  was 
no  token  of  your  friendship,  after  I  was  taken  from 
earth,  that  made  half  so  much  impression,  as  when, 
after  you  were  confirmed  in  your  kingdom,  and  had 
become  prosperous  and  great,  amid  the  nobility,  the 
statesmen,  the  courtiers  and  flatterers  that  swarmed  in 
your  capital  and  around  your  palace,  you  still  retained 
the  remembrance  of  your  early  friend,  and  searched  for 
and  found  my  poor  orphan  boy,  Mephibosheth,  when 
he  was  in  exile  beyond  Jordan,  afraid  of  your  power. 
You  had  him  brought  to  Jerusalem,  and  when  he  came 
trembling  into  your  presence,  apprehensive  for  his  life, 
you  said,  ''  Fear  not,  Mephibosheth  ;  I  will  restore  to 
thee  all  the  land  that  was  thy  father's ;  thou  shalt  eat 
bread  at  my  table  continually,  as  one  of  the  king's  sons, 
for  I  will  surely  show  thee  kindness  for  thy  father 
Jonathan's  sake."  I  assure  you,  David,  this  conduct 
on  your  part  gave  a  new  impulse  to  the  joy  of  my 
ransomed  soul  in  the  Paradise  of  God.' 

*'  '  I  much  regretted,'  said  David,  '  that  it  was  so  long 


104  DATIO, 

before  I  could  thus  publicly  acknowledge  the  debt  of 
gratitude  which  I  owed  to  you.  But  the  first  years  of 
my  kingdom  were  stormy  and  full  of  trouble,  and  in 
such  circumstances  the  claims  of  the  worthiest  friends 
are  sometimes  crowded  out  for  a  time.  But  as  to 
Mephibosheth,  often  as  he  sat  at  the  table  among  my 
own  sons,  there  would  be  some  lineament  of  his  coun- 
tenance, some  tone  or  accent  of  his  voice,  some  gesture 
or  turn  of  thought,  that  most  affectingly  and  forcibly 
brought  to  my  mind  the  invaluable  friend  that  was 
gone  from  earth  forever.  Often  was  I  constrained  to 
turn  away,  that  I  might  hide  from  the  youthful  com- 
pany the  tears  that  filled  my  eyes  ;  and  especially  when 
I  began  to  be  advanced  in  life,  and  had  had  long  and 
painful  experience  of  worthless  and  hollow-hearted  pro- 
fessions of  fidelity  in  many  who  crowd  around  the 
court  of  kings  ;  when  confidence  had  been  abused,  and 
trust  betrayed,  and  base,  black  ingratitude  had  stared 
me  in  the  face,  where  I  was  looking  for  truth  and  up- 
rightness ;  often,  with  a  sick  and  burdened  heart,  have 
I  put  aside  the  crown  and  laid  down  the  sceptre,  and 
gone  into  my  secret  chamber,  and  poured  forth  floods 
of  tears,  when  I  thought  of  the  immense  bereavement 
I  had  sustained  in  the  loss  of  the  friend  of  my  youth. 
"O,  had  he  lived,"  I  exclaimed,  "  to  be  my  companion, 
my  counsellor,  my  helper  along  this  dreary  pilgrimage 
of  life,  I  should  7iow  know  how  to  prize  his  warm, 
faithful,  unwavering  friendship."  ' 

"  '  And  yet,'  said  Jonathan,  '  the  ways  of  the  Lord 
are  higher,  wiser,  and  better  than  our  ways,  and  there 
is  one  thought  in  this  connection  that  thrills  all  my 
soul  with  celestial  rapture.     The   young  buddings  of 


DAVID.  105 

friendship,  amid  the  dark  and  checkered  scenes  of  earth, 
are  feeble  and  dim  as  the  moonlight  rainbow,  when 
compared  with  the  high,  holy,  unruffled  friendships  of 
this  heavenly  state.  It  is  now  three  thousand  years  since 
we  entered  into  the  joy  of  our  Lord  ;  and  yet  we  are  but 
approaching  the  threshold  of  our  inheritance.  I  would 
lift  up  my  soul  in  immortal  hallelujahs  to  God,  when 
I  think  of  the  progress,  growth,  and  maturity  of  holy 
friendship  among  brothers  in  our  Father's  house,  during 
the  long  unmeasured  years  of  eternal  glory.'  " 

Here  Lucifer  paused  —  looked  slowly  round  over  the 
audience,  who  were  rapt  in  profound  attention.  "  The 
narrative,"  said  he,  -'  is  to  me  odious,  extremely  odious; 
I  will  pursue  it  no  farther  now. 

"  Belial !  "  said  he,  calling  on  his  prime  minister, 
"  you  were  much  conversant  with  the  church  and  house 
of  Israel  in  the  time  of  David  ;  you  were  chiefly  con- 
cerned in  plotting  and  attempting  his  overthrow,  I  being 
at  that  time  much  engaged  in  forwarding  the  cause  of 
idolatry  in  Babylon,  Nineveh,  Egypt,  and  other  nations. 
Rehearse  to  this  council  and  this  host  such  of  the  trans- 
actions of  that  day  as  you  think  it  best  to  make  known. 
I  would  gladly  have  a  little  respite.  And  well  I  know, 
that  none  has  more  talent  to  give  instructions  how  to 
war  against  the  church  of  God  than  thou." 

Belial  rose.    His  appearance  reminded  me  of  Milton's 

description :  — 

"  A  fairer  person  lost  not  heaven  :  he  seemed 
For  dignity  composed  and  high  exploit ; 
But  all  was  false  and  hollow." 

"  Before  you  enter  on  your  narrative,  Belial,"  said 
Lucifer,  "  there  are  two  remarks  I  wish  to  make. 


106  DAVID. 

"  First.  Most  of  this  great  assembly  have  been  em- 
ployed chiefly  in  heathen  lands,  since  the  earliest  ages 
of  the  world.  Their  experience  has  been  wholly  in 
promoting  those  forms  of  wickedness  which  prevail  in 
idolatrous  coimtries.  They  have  not  been  in  contact 
with  the  Bible  or  the  church,  and  have  little  knowledge 
of  the  arts  by  which  revealed  religion  is  to  be  combated. 
But  now  a  great  revolution  has  come.  The  Bible  is 
going  every  where,  into  the  languages  of  all  the  nations. 
The  church  —  the  Sabbath  —  the  ordinances  of  the 
gospel  —  are  finding  their  way  into  every  corner  of  the 
earth.  And  it  is  now  important  that  all  the  hosts  of 
hell  should  be  trained  and  disciplined  for  making  war 
against  the  chiu:ch.  My  plan  is,  that  those  of  my  ser- 
vants who  have  had  this  experience  in  ages  past,  shall 
now  rehearse,  in  the  hearing  of  all  the  ai-mies  of  dark- 
ness, their  contests  with  patriarchs,  prophets,  apostles, 
and  saints  of  old,  that  all  the  troops  of  hell  may  learn 
how  to  promote  the  cause  of  sin  where  the  light  of  the 
gospel  shines. 

"  My  second  remark  is  this.  In  your  narrative  go  into 
particulars.  That  history  which  merely  skims  over 
the  surface,  imparts  little  information.  Sketches  of 
courts  and  khigs  are  not  so  much  what  we  want,  as  a 
view  of  the  living  manners  of  the  times  —  the  facts  and 
doings  of  every  day  life.  I  say  again,  go  into  minute 
specifications.  It  is  the  only  method  to  give  correct 
information  of  men  and  manners.'- 

"  I  understand  you,"  said  Belial,  bowing  to  his  ma- 
jesty.    "  I  shall  go  into  particulars." 

"  Proceed  then,"  said  Lucifer,  resuming  his  seat. 
"  One  thing  more,  however,  before  you  begin.     I  wish 


DAVID.  107 

the  statement  of  facts  to  be  given  to  this  council  in  the 
most  cahii  and  dispassionate  manner ;  as  httle  mixture 
of  emotion  and  feeling  as  may  be.  Our  object  now  is 
to  impart  a  correct  knowledge  of  facts ;  and  the  more 
coolly  and  calmly  it  is  done,  the  better  for  our  purpose. 
And  don't  confine  yourself  to  the  rehearsal  of  your 
own  plans  merely  ;  but  give  us  a  picture  of  real  life  in 
the  times  of  David." 

"  I  would  premise,"  said  Belial,  "that  great  solicitude 
had  been  felt  by  the  hosts  of  darkness  who  surrounded 
the  church  in  this  age  to  ascertain  in  what  line  or  fam- 
ily the  promised  Messiah  was  destined  to  arise.  The 
first  promise  given  to  Adam  had  created  amongst  us 
much  dread  and  apprehension.  We  had  learned  by  the 
promise  made  to  Abraham,  that  the  Messiah  should  be 
of  his  descendants,  and  from  the  prophecy  of  Jacob  on 
his  death-bed,  that  he  should  be  of  the  tribe  of  Judah. 
But  no  additional  information  had  now -been  obtained 
for  several  hundred  years.  The  priesthood  had  settled 
down  in  the  tribe  of  Levi,  and  Saul,  the  first  king  anoint- 
ed by  Samuel,  was  of  the  house  of  Benjamin.  There 
was  nothing  yet  to  be  seen  in  the  tribe  of  Judah  to  aid 
our  conjectures  in  the  slightest  degree.  The  various 
branches  of  that  great  tribe  were  spreading  abroad  in 
all  directions,  but  nothing  definite  had  yet  been  discov- 
ered. But  it  was  revealed  to  the  prophet  Samuel  that 
Saul's  kingdom  should  be  rejected.  And  when  I 
saw  him  go  to  the  house  of  Jesse,  and  anoint  David 
king  over  Israel,  and  pronounce  some  very  weighty  and 
significant  words,  I  began  to  suspect  that  this  was  the 
branch  of  Judah,  where  the  promised  Deliverer  should 
arise. 


108  DAVID. 

"  But  I  must  not  omit,"  said  Belial,  "  the  scene  in  the 
family  of  Jesse,  at  the  time  David  was  anointed.  Jesse 
and  his  wife  were  deeply  affected  when  they  learned 
that  the  sceptre  promised  by  Jacob,  at  the  close  of  his 
life,  to  Judah,  was  to  be  wielded  by  one  of  their  family. 
They  gave  thanks  to  Jehovah,  and  implored  his  divine 
benediction.  But  the  joy  of  Zeruiah,  the  elder  sister 
of  David,  particularly  drew  my  attention.  She  had  for 
David  that  ardent  and  generous  affection  that  is  often 
found  in  an  elder  sister  toward  a  younger  brother, 
David  being  the  youngest  of  eight."  (1  Sam.  xvi. 
10—13.) 

"  The  affection  of  an  elder  sister  for  a  younger 
brother,"  said  Lucifer,  —  "I  have  often  noticed  that.  It 
is  frequently  one  of  the  striking  characteristics  in  the 
family  circle,  among  the  children  of  men." 

"  Zeruiah  was  now  a  middle-aged  woman,"  said  Be- 
lial, "  of  fine  understanding,  and  distinguished  for  piety 
and  patriotism.  From  early  life  she  had  felt  much  for 
the  honor  of  Israel  and  the  true  religion.  She  was 
very  young  in  her  father's  house,  when  Nahash  the 
Ammonite  besieged  Jabesh-gilead,  and  would  grant  the 
inhabitants  no  terms,  but  on  condition  that  he  should 
thrust  out  their  right  eyes,  and  lay  it  for  a  reproach  to 
all  Israel.  (1  Sam.  xi.  1 — 11.)  She  remembered  the 
excitement  in  the  coasts  of  Bethlehem,  when  the  mes- 
sengers of  King  Saul,  carrying  bloody  slices  of  the 
oxen  he  had  hewn  in  pieces,  came  running  through  the 
country,  calling  on  the  men  to  rally  at  Bezek,  and  fol- 
low Saul  and  Samuel  to  the  rescue  of  Jabesh-gilead. 
As  she  came  up  to  the  years  of  womanhood,  she  sym- 


D.VVID.  109 

pathized  deeply  with  her  afflicted  country.  Strong 
garrisons  of  tlie  foes  of  Israel  were  here  and  there  in  the 
country,  and  now"  and  then  invading  armies  of  some 
warlike  nation  ox^erran  the  land,  spoiling  the  inhab- 
itants, destroying  their  crops,  and  driving  off  their 
cattle. 

"  Zeruiah  greatly  deplored  this  degradation  and  dis- 
honor of  God's  chosen  people.  She  often  conversed 
with  her  father  and  mother  of  the  prosperous  state  of 
Israel  in  the  days  of  Joshua,  when  one  could  chase  a 
thousand  of  their  foes,  and  two  could  put  ten  thousand 
to  flight.  She  carefully  treasured  up  in  her  mind  the 
traditions  concerning  Gideon,  and  Barak,  and  Jephthah, 
and  Samson,  and  how  Dagon,  the  Philistine  idol,  had 
fallen  before  the  ark  of  God.  Such  themes  as  these 
became  the  food  of  the  ardent  soul  of  Zeruiah,  who,  at 
the  period  of  which  I  am  now  speaking,  had  become, 
perhaps,  the  most  enlightened  and  public-spirited  wo- 
man of  the  age.  Indeed,  her  patriotic  ardor  bordered 
on  enthusiasm  in  the  cause  of  her  people. 

'*  The  brave  deeds  of  Jonathan  now  began  to  attract 
general  attention.  (1  Sam.  xii.  3;  xiv.  1 — 13.)  This 
noble  hero  of  her  people,  Zeruiah  delighted  to  honor. 
But  an  impression  was  abroad  that  the  kingdom  should 
not  continue  in  the  family  of  Saul.  And  when  she  saw 
old  Samuel  come  to  her  father's  house,  and  anoint  her  fa- 
vorite young  brother,  and  promise  him  that  kingdom  of 
which  Jacob  had  spoken  at  his  death,  the  transport  of 
Zeruiah  was  very  great.  She  wept,  and  gave  praise  to 
Israel's  God.  She  blessed  David,  and  invoked  blessings 
on  his  kingdom,  and  earnestly  besought  the  Lord  to 
grant  that  she  might  have  some  hand   in   furthering 

10 


110  DAVID. 

the  great  object  for  which  he  had  been  called  to  the 
throne, 

"  When  the  public  services  of  the  sacrifice  at  Bethle- 
hem were  closed,  and  Samuel  had  come  to  the  house  of 
Jesse,  to  take  leave  of  the  family,  Zeruiah  came  before 
the  venerable  old  prophet,  with  her  three  little  sons. 
The  appearance  of  the  lads  was  fine  and  promising, 
and  the  visage  of  the  mother  was  animated  with  a 
sublime  enthusiasm  that  I  have  rarely  seen  equalled. 
'  Prophet  of  the  Lord,'  said  she,  '  we  have  learned  that 
you  were  solemnly  dedicated  to  the  service  of  the  God 
of  Israel,  from  early  childhood,  by  a  pious  mother.' 
'  True,'  answered  Samuel, '  most  true  ; '  and  the  tear  of 
affectionate  remembrance  for  the  mother  he  loved,  the 
pious  Hannah,  filled  his  eye.     (1  Sam.  i.  24 — 28.) 

"'You  have  this  day,'  said  Zeruiah,  'anointed  my 
beloved  brother  David,  to  be  king  over  God's  chosen 
people.' 

"  '  Jehovah  make  his  kingdom  a  blessing,'  said  Sam- 
uel :  *  may  the  sceptre  not  depart  from  his  house  till 
Shiloh  come.'     (Gen.  xlix.  12.) 

"  '  The  foes  of  Israel  are  many  and  strong,'  said  Zer- 
uiah ;  '  David  will  need  the  help  of  those  that  are  val- 
iant, and  faithful,  and  true.  I  wish  to  dedicate  these  my 
three  sons,  in  the  awful  name  of  Jehovah,  to  be  the 
supporters  of  his  throne  and  his  kingdom  while  they 
live,  that  the  Lord  may  be  glorified,  and  Israel  ma^'-  be 
a  blessing.' 

"  'Jehovah  bless  the  lads.'  said  Samuel,  with  strong 
emotion,  laying  his  hand  in  succession  on  the  head  of 
Asahel,  and  Abishai,  and  Joab.  'Jehovah  make  them 
renowned  champions  in  Israel,  and  may  the  name  of 


DAVID.  1  1  I 

the  mother  and  her  sons  be  had  in  everlastmg  remem- 
brance.' 

"  The  old  prophet  drew  his  hand  across  his  eyes  to 
remove  the  tears,  then  pronounced  an  appropriate  ben- 
ediction on  tlie  whole  family  of  Jesse,  and  departed  for 
his  home  at  Rama. 

"  The  proper  training  of  her  sons  for  tlie  great  ser- 
vice to  which  she  had  solemnly  devoted  them,  now  be- 
came the  leading  object  of  Zeruiah's  life.  Lessons  of 
truth,  chastity,  piety  toward  God,  brotherly  affection 
for  each  other,  zeal  for  the  true  religion,  heroism  in  the 
cause  of  Israel,  and  firm  fidelity  to  their  uncle,  now 
anointed  as  their  king,  were  daily  inculcated,  in  the 
most  earnest  and  persuasive  manner ;  while  she  held 
up  before  their  young  and  susceptible  minds  the  names 
and  character  of  distinguished  heroes  in  the  early  his- 
tory of  Israel,  and  animated  them  with  the  hope  of 
being  such  men  around  their  uncle's  throne. 

'•  Another  circumstance,  which  greatly  contributed  to 
the  furtherance  of  her  views,  was  this  :  There  now 
resided  near  Bethlehem  an  old  retired  officer  of  the 
house  of  Caleb,  who  had  long  been  renowned  for 
uncommon  skill  in  the  use  of  the  sword,  the  spear,  the 
shield,  and  indeed  all  the  implements  of  war.  Zer- 
uiah  engaged  this  officer  to  become  the  instructor  of 
her  sons  in  the  arts  of  war.  The  old  chief  was  a  per- 
fect enthusiast  in  this  department,  and  finding  an  ex- 
traordinary aptness  in  the  lads  to  profit  by  his  instruc- 
tions, this  employment  became  his  daily  delight.  The 
remarkable  talents  of  the  instructor,  and  the  surprising 
proficiency  of  his  pupils,  were  the  theme  of  nuich  ad- 
miration in  a  Ifirgo  district  around  Bethlehem,     Anc| 


112  DAVID. 

thus  it  was  that  the  sons  of  the  pious  and  patriotic 
Zeruiah  were  prepared  for  that  conspicuous  station  they 
afterwards  filled  in  the  armies  of  Israel. 

"  The  apprehensions,"  said  Belial,  "  which  I  had 
taken  up  concerning  David,  were  confirmed  at  the  next 
war  with  the  Philistines.  I  had  tempted  and  prevailed 
on  the  Philistines  to  invade  the  land  of  Israel.  This 
was  one  of  my  favorite  methods  of  annoying  the  church 
in  that  age.  And  by  this  means  I  had  repeatedly 
brought  them  to  the  brink  of  destruction. 

"A  strong  Philistine  army  had  now  marched  into 
the  country,  and  Saul  had  collected  a  large  body  of 
troops  to  oppose  them.  The  Philistines  stood  on  a 
mountain  on  the  one  side,  and  Israel  stood  on  a  moun- 
tain on  the  other  side  ;  and  there  was  a  valley  between 
them.  Goliath  of  Gath  now  came  forth  as  the  cham- 
pion of  the  Philistines.  He  was  a  giant  of  tremendous 
power.  His  height  was  six  cubits  and  a  span.  He 
was  clad  in  complete  armor,  and  the  '  statf  of  his  spear 
■was  like  a  weaver's  beam,  and  his  spear's  head  weighed 
six  hundred  shekels  of  iron.'  He  now  stood  and  cried 
to  the  army  of  Israel.  '  Bring  out  your  champion,'  said 
he,  in  tones  most  haughty  and  daring  :  '  let  him  fight 
with  me.  If  he  be  able  to  kill  me,  the  land  shall  be 
yours,  and  we  will  be  your  servants.  But  if  I  prevail 
against  him,  and  kill  him,  then  shall  ye  be  our  servants 
and  serve  us.'     (1  Sam.  xvii.  1 — 10.) 

"  Saul  and  all  the  men  of  Israel  heard  this  challenge 
of  the  towering  and  terrible  warrior  in  silence  and  dis- 
may. Even  Jonathan,  who  had  performed  so  many 
prodigious  feats  of  valor,  showed  no  disposition  to  en- 
gage in  single  combat  with  the  hiige%iant  of  Gath. 


DAvrr).  113 

"  Day  after  day,  Goliath  stalked  forth,  morning  and 
evening,  in  tlie  view  of  both  armies,  boasting  of  the 
might  of  his  resistless  arm.  He  told  them  that  he  was 
a  worshipper  of  Dagon  ;  that  Dagon  was  his  patron 
and  his  God.  He  cursed  them  in  the  name  of  Dagon. 
'  If  you  think  the  God  of  Israel  is  equal  to  Dagon,'  said 
he,  '  come  and  maintain  it  in  a  fight  with  me.  Cow- 
ards that  you  are !  You  knov/  that  your  God  is  not 
equal  to  Dagon.  You  are  afraid  to  trust  your  God  in 
a  battle  with«a  servant  of  Dagon.' 

"  Sometimes  he  walked  back  and  forth  midway  be- 
tween the  two  armies,  displaying  his  stature  and  his 
strength.  Sometimes  he  marched  up  close  to  the  lines 
of  Israel,  and  still  the  armed  men  gave  back  at  his 
approach.  '  The  curse  of  Dagon  be  upon  you,'  vocifer- 
ated Goliath,  '  to  muster  here,  and  call  yourselves  war- 
riors, and  all  fly  before  a  single  man.  Is  there  no 
soldier  among  you,  that  has  confidence  in  his  God,  and 
can  meet  a  man  in  battle  ? 

"  *  Witness,  O  ye  armies  of  Philistines !  witness, 
ye  armies  of  Israel !  that  all  the  worshippers  of 
Jehovah  tremble  and  fly  before  a  single  worshipper  of 
Dagon !  ' 

"  The  Philistines  rent  the  air  with  shouts  of  triumph 
till  the  earth  rang  again.  They  despatched  swift  mes- 
sengers to  carry  the  glad  news  to  Gath,  to  Gaza,  to  Ash- 
dod,  to  Ekron,  and  to  Askelon,  They  commanded  to 
publish  in  all  the  cities  of  the  Philistines,  that  they 
should  keep  a  day  of  public  feasting  to  Dagon  their 
God ;  that  they  should  crowd  his  temples,  and  pay 
him  peculiar  honors  for  this  signal  triumph  over  Israel, 
and  over  Israel's  God. 

10* 


114  DATID, 

"  These  tidings  also  spread  with  great  rapidity- 
through  the  land  of  Israel,  and  there  was  paleness  on 
every  cheek,  and  trembling  in  every  bosom.  Some, 
Avith  loud  and  bitter  lamentations,  bewailed  tliat  the 
glory  was  departed  from  Israel.  Others  uttered  fruit- 
less and  unavailing  wishes  that  Samson  were  now 
alive  to  stand  up  as  their  champion.  Others,  again,  of- 
fered up  prayers  to  the  God  of  Abraham,  that  he  would 
remember  his  covenant,  that  he  would  raise  them  up  a 
deliverer,  and  wipe  away  their  reproach.  While  yet 
another  class  began  to  meditate  on  the  expediency  of 
renouncing  the  service  of  Jehovah,  and  taking  up  with 
the  idolatries  of  the  heathen. 

"  Such  was  the  attitude  of  things  in  the  two  armies, 
and  in  the  two  countries,  when  David  first  appeared  in 
the  battle-field,  on  an  errand  from  his  father,  bringing 
provisions  for  three  elder  brothers,  who  were  already 
enlisted  in  the  army  of  Saul.  While  he  was  convers- 
ing with  some  acquaintances,  Goliath  approached  again  : 
this  was  the  fortieth  day  he  had  given  the  challenge, 
morning  and  evening.  When  David  heard  the  defiance 
and  the  insulting  boast  of  the  Philistine,  his  color  went 
and  came,  and  the  fire  of  burning  patriotism  began  to 
flash  from  his  eyes.  '  Where  is  King  Saul  ? '  said  he. 
They  quickly  brought  him  to  Saul. 

" '  Is  there  no  man,'  said  he  to  the  king,  '  to  meet 
that  boasting  giant,  and  vindicate  the  honor  of  Israel  ? ' 

"'None,'  said  Saul:  'the  mightiest  warriors  in  my 
army  quail  and  fly  at  his  approach.'  At  this  speech  of 
the  king,  there  was  a  momentary  expression  of  shame, 
mortification,  and  regret  in  the  visage  of  David.  It  was 
but  the  ebb  before  the  return  of  the  tide.     Another  mo- 


DAVID.  115 

meiit,  and  his  cheeks,  and  neck,  and  brow  kindled  up 
in  an  ardent  glow  of  patriotic  zeal. 

"'Let  no  man's  heart  fail,'  said  David  to  the  king. 
*  Thy  servant  will  go  and  fight  with  this  Philistine.' 

"  '  Thou  art  not  able,'  said  King  Saul,  '  to  go  against 
this  Philistine,  for  thou  art  but  a  youth,  and  he  is  a 
mighty  warrior.  He  is  the  most  formidable  foe  that 
has  come  against  Israel  since  the  days  of  Joshua. 
Abner,  and  Jonathan,  and  all  the  valiant  men  in  the 
army  know  that  he  is  an  overmatch  for  them.  And 
for  you,  young  and  inexperienced,  the  attempt  would 
be  madness.' 

"David  replied  to  the  king,  'I  kept  my  father's 
sheep  near  Bethlehem  of  Judah.  And  there  came  a 
lion,  and  took  a  lamb  out  of  the  flock.  And  I  went 
after  him,  and  took  it  out  of  his  mouth ;  and  when  he 
arose  against  me,  I  caught  him  by  his  beard,  and  smote 
him,  and  slew  him.  A  bear  also  came,  and  caught  a 
lamb,  and  I  slew  him.  Thy  servant  slew  both  the  lion 
and  the  bear  ;  and  this  uncircumcised  Philistine  shall  be 
as  one  of  them,  seeing  he  hath  defied  the  armies  of  the 
living  God.  Yes,'  said  he,  '  the  Lord  who  delivered 
me  out  of  the  paw  of  the  lion,  and  out  of  the  paw  of 
the  bear,  will  deliver  me  out  of  the  hand  of  this  blas- 
pheming Pliilistine.' 

"  '  Well,'  said  the  king,  '  if  that  is  the  spirit  that  ani- 
mates you,  and  your  resolution  is  so  firmly  fixed,  go, 
and  the  Lord  go  with  you.' 

"  When  the  army  of  the  Philistines,  tiiat  now  stood 
full  in  view,  saw  David  take  his  sling,  and  a  few  stones 
out  of  the  brook,  and  march  to  encounter  Goliath,  they 
were    filled  with  scorn ;  and  the   voice  of  mockery, 


116  DAVID. 

derision,  and  merriment,  could  be  heard  all  along  their 
line.  As  for  Goliath,  he  was  deeply  insulted  when  he 
saw  David.  '  Am  I  a  dog,  that  you  come  to  war  witli 
me  in  this  style  ?     The  curse  of  Dagon  be  on  you.' 

"  Said  David,  '  Thou  comest  to  me  with  a  sword,  and 
with  a  spear,  and  with  a  shield.  But  I  come  to  thee  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  the  armies  of 
Israel,  whom  thou  hast  defied.  This  day  will  the  Lord 
deliver  thee  into  my  hand,  and  I  will  smite  thee,  and 
take  thy  head  from  thee ;  and  I  will  give  the  carcasses 
of  the  host  of  the  Philistines  this  day  unto  the  fowls 
of  the  air  and  to  the  wild  beasts  of  the  earth  ;  that 
all  the  earth  may  know  that  there  is  a  God  in  Israel.' 

"  At  this,  the  Philistine  raised  the  visor  of  his  helmet, 
or  that  part  of  his  armor  that  covered  his  face,  and 
threw  it  back  in  perfect  contempt  of  David,  leaving  his 
face  and  forehead  bare ;  and  now  with  huge  and  haughty 
strides  he  rushed  upon  his  foe.  David  ran  to  meet 
him,  and,  as  he  was  running,  he  put  a  stone  in  his  sling, 
and  smote  Goliath  in  his  forehead,  that  the  stone  sunk 
into  his  forehead,  and  he  fell  to  the  ground.  David  ran 
and  stood  upon  him,  and  drew  Goliath's  sword  from 
the  scabbard,  and  cut  off  his  head  with  his  ov/n  sword, 
and  held  it  up  in  the  view  of  both  armies.  When  the 
Philistines  saw  their  champion  was  dead,  they  were 
panic-struck,  and  fled  in  the  utmost  confusion.  The 
men  of  Israel  and  Judah  arose,  and  shouted,  and  pur- 
sued the  Philistines. 

''  But  I  must  not  omit,"  said  Belial,  "  here  to  mention 
the  conduct  of  Jonathan,  the  eldest  son  of  Saul,  and 
heir  to  the  crown.  He  was  an  enlightened  and  ardent 
patriot,  and  a  devout  worshipper  of  God.    No  man  in  the 


DAVID.  117 

twelve  tribes,  not  even  Abiier  himself,  the  commander- 
in-cliief  of  Saul's  army,  had  such  reputation  for  personal 
valor  and  unrivalled  dexterity  in  the  use  of  the  spear, 
the  sword,  and  the  shield,  as  Jonathan.  He  was  the 
favorite  of  the  nation.  His  praise  was  in  the  mouth  of  the 
old  and  the  young.  And  in  the  social  hall,  and  in  the  pub- 
lic assembly,  his  many  brilliant  militaiy  achievements 
were  the  theme  of  the  orator  and  the  burden  of  the 
poet's  song.  Not  long  before  this  period,  a  strong  garri- 
son of  the  Philistines,  fortified  and  defended  in  a  man- 
ner that  was  deemed  impregnable,  had  been  stormed  by 
Jonathan  and  Machir,  his  ai'mor-bearer,  and  the  whole 
garrison  put  to  the  sword  :  which  so  terrified  the  army 
of  the  Philistines,  that  they  fied  in  the  utmost  conster- 
nation out  of  the  country,  and  Israel  experienced  a  great 
deliverance.  This  and  other  similar  feats  of  extraordi- 
nary valor  had  spread  the  renown  of  Jonathan  and  Ma- 
chir through  all  the  cities,  towns,  and  villages  of  Israel. 
"  Accordingly,  when  Goliath  first  appeared  and  gave 
his  challenge  to  decide  the  matters  in  dispute  by  single 
combat,  all  eyes  were  turned  to  Jonathan.  It  was  the 
expectation  of  every  officer  and  soldier  in  the  army, 
that  he  would  accept  the  challenge.  Had  the  vote 
been  taken,  he  would  have  been  chosen  their  champion 
without  a  dissenting  voice.  But  Jonathan,  with  all  his 
patriotic  zeal,  was  endowed  with  uncommon  sound- 
ness of  judgment  and  great  political  wisdom.  He  saw 
that  Goliath,  from  his  enormous  strength,  and  the  per- 
fection of  his  armor,  wliich  covered  him  fiom  head  to 
foot,  so  far  superior  to  his  own,  must  be  an  overmatch 
for  him  in  single  combat ;  and  though  he  dreaded  not 
death,  and  was  ready  to  sacrifice  his  life  for  his  coun- 


118  DAVID. 

try's  good,  yet  he  knew  that  that  life  Avas  too  valuable 
to  his  country  to  be  rashly  thrown  away  in  a  hazard- 
ous venture,  where  the  likelihood  of  success  was  a 
hundred  to  one  against  hiai.  He  knev\r,  moreover, 
that  should  he  encounter  Goliath,  and  fall,  his  fall 
would  be  the  signal  of  rout  and  ruin  to  the  armies  of 
Israel.  Her  towns  would  be  burned,  her  countiy 
ravaged,  and  her  citizens,  without  distinction  of  age 
or  sex,  put  to  the  sword.  He  judged  it  wiser,  there- 
fore, to  keep  the  array  together  ;  to  skirmish  with  the 
enemy,  and  hold  them  in  check :  avoiding,  in  the 
mean  time,  any  attempt  to  hasten  a  final  decision  of 
the  war  by  a  personal  rencounter  with  Goliath.  As 
yet,  in  the  skirmishing  which  took  place  from  day  to 
day,  the  Philistines  had  gained  no  advantage,  and 
though  the  armed  men  gave  back  when  Goliath  ad- 
vanced, yet  as  soon  as  his  parading,  and  boasting,  and 
cursing  were  over,  and  he  retired,  Jonathan  could 
renew  the  lines  again,  and  still  present  an  unbroken 
front  to  the  enemy.  He  knew  farther  that  an  invading 
army  is  wearried  and  worn  out  by  delays,  and  that 
patriots  have  every  thing  to  hope  from  gaining  time. 
And  more  than  all  this,  he  cherished  a  high  confidence 
in  God,  and  hoped  and  prayed  that  He  who  had  so 
often  appeared  for  the  deliverance  of  his  covenant 
people,  would  not  forsake  them  now. 

'■'•  These  views  Jonathan  spread  freely  and  fully  before 
the  officers  and  elders  of  the  army,  assembled  in  general 
council.  He  had  their  unaninious  approval  and  com- 
mendation. And  yet,  notwithstanding  all  this,  — for  his 
name  was  well  known  to  the  Philistine  army ;  he  had 
given  them  ample  cause  to  know  him  well,  —  it  required 


DAVID.  119 

all  the  strength  of  his  enlightened  judgment,  and  all 
his  self-command,  to  enahle  him  to  bear  in  silence  the 
bantering  and  boasting  of  Goliath,  when  he  came  in  the 
name  of  Dagon,  and  defied  the  armies  of  the  living 
God.  Sometimes  the  monster  came  striding  np,  close 
to  the  station  where  Jonathan  commanded,  and  would 
call  him  by  name,  and  brand  him  with  cowardice,  for 
declining  to  stand  forth  as  the  champion  of  Israel. 
Repeatedly  the  tumult  of  his  patriotic  emotions  was 
so  strong,  that  he  was  on  the  very  verge  of  bursting 
through  all  the  restraints  of  prudence  and  judgment, 
and  rushing  to  the  combat. 

"  And  the  difficulties  of  his  situation  greatly  increased 
as  day  after  day  rolled  by.  For  now  visitors  came  in 
from  all  parts  of  the  land  of  Israel,  and  reported  in  the 
army,  that  it  was  the  expectation  and  wish  of  the 
whole  country  that  Jonathan  should  accept  the  chal- 
lenge of  Goliath ;  that  the  people  were  astonished  he 
had  not  done  it  at  once,  when  the  challenge  was  first 
given  ;  that  they  were  growing  impatient  at  the  long 
delay ;  that  they  now  demanded  it,  insisted  on  it, 
would  not  be  satisfied  without  it. 

"  Often,"  said  Belial,  "  among  the  sons  of  men,  has  a 
foolish  and  frenzied  public  sentiment  forced  the  wisest 
and  worthiest  patriot,  against  his  own  better  judgment, 
into  the  adoption  of  measures  that  have  resulted  in  the 
ruin  of  his  cause  and  his  country.  It  seemed  inevitable, 
that  it  must  be  so  now.  The  people  had  heard  of  the 
public  rejoicings  in  the  land  of  the  Philistines;  the 
feasting  and  thanksgiving  in  the  temples  of  Dagon. 
They  were  stung  with  bitter  vexation,  and  their 
demands  became  so   pressing    and  imperative,  that  it 


120  DAVID. 

required  all  the  weight  of  Abner's  authority,  and  the 
weight  of  the  counsel  of  all  the  officers  and  elders  in 
the  army,  to  restrain  the  purest  and  bravest  man  in 
Israel  from  rashly  sacrificing  himself  to  the  unreason- 
able wishes  of  his  excited  and  misguided  countrymen. 
The  authority  of  Abner,  however,  and  the  counsel  of 
the  elders,  as  yet  prevailed. 

"  Goliath  had  now  presented  himself  for  thirty-nine 
days,  morning  and  evening,  repeating  his  challenge, 
and  breathing  out  insult  and  defiance  against  the  ar- 
mies of  Israel.  The  skirmishing,  however,  for  the  last 
week  had  been  but  inconsiderable,  and  the  host  of 
the  Philistines  made  no  attempt  to  advance.  Jonathan 
asked  and  obtained  leave  from  the  king  to  make  a  hasty 
visit  to  his  family,  who  were  at  a  town  but  a  few 
miles  distant,  and  promised  to  return  early  the  next 
morning. 

"The  meeting  with  the  members  of  his  family  was 
most  tender  and  affectionate.  His  wife  was  a  superior 
woman,  of  uncommon  beauty  and  loftiness  of  spirit. 
Her  family  ranked  high  among  the  princes  of  Benjamin, 
and  many  of  her  ancestors  were  famous  in  the  annals 
of  Israel.  She  possessed,  in  its  perfection,  this  essential 
endowment  of  a  good  wife,  that  is,  a  warm  and  wake- 
ful zeal  for  the  reputation  and  honor  of  her  husband. 
From  the  day  of  her  espousal  to  Jonathan,  the  affec- 
tion and  fidelity  of  her  heart  had  been,  like  the  tide  of 
Jordan  in  time  of  harvest,  fall  and  overflowing  ;  and  very 
highly  did  she  prize  her  alliance  with  the  royal  family. 
There  was  now  something  sad  and  disconsolate  in  her 
air  and  manner.  Jonathan  had  marked  this  at  his  first 
arrival ;  but  he  ascribed  it  to  the  troubles  of  the  times, 


DAVID.  121 

and  the  dark  clouds  that  overhung  the  prospects  of  his 
country. 

''  He  Avas  now  seated  among  his  children,  the  three 
oldest  of  which  were  climbing  his  knees,  and  covering 
his  manly  face  with  their  fond  and  repeated  caresses. 
In  the  midst  of  these  endearments,  his  little  son,  of  four 
years  old.  spoke  out  — '  Father,  I  heard  the  boys  in  the 
street,  to-day,  saying  naughty  words  about  you.' 

"  '  Ah  !  my  son,  v/hat  did  they  say  ? ' 

"  They  said  you  were  a  coward,  because  you  would 
not  fight  that  big  giant  that  defies  our  king  and  speaks 
against  our  God.     And  I  told  mother,  and  she  wept.' 

"Jonathan  sprang  to  his  feet.  It  was  the  first  word 
of  j'eproach  he  had  heard  from  his  own  people,  for  many 
of  the  complaints  that  had  reached  the  army  had  not 
been  told  to  him.  He  glanced  his  eye  on  the  agitated 
mother  of  his  boy,  and  saw  the  big,  bright  tear  that 
was  rolling  down  over  her  pale  and  quivering  cheek. 
She  turned  away  to  conceal  her  emotions,  but  they 
were  too  strong  for  concealment.  She  burst  into  a 
flood  of  excessive  weeping.  He  took  her  hand,  and 
attempted  to  soothe  and  comfort  her,  but  it  Vv^as  unavail- 
ing. 'I  know  your  trath,'  said  she,  'your  virtue,  and 
your  worth,  but  they  are  not  appreciated  ;  and  how  can 
I  live  amidst  the  daily  taunts  I  hear,  of  honor  lost,  and 
the  faded  glory  of  Israel.' 

"  This  was  too  much.  Jonathan  kindly  endeavored 
with  tender  and  sootiiing  words,  to  calm  her  troubled 
spirits,  but,  at  the  same  moment,  silently  and  immova- 
bly, fixed  the  resolution  in  his  own  galkuit  heart,  that 
be  the  result  victory,  or  be  it  death,  the  challenge  of 
Goliath  sliould  not  pass  unanswered  another  day. 

11 


122 


DAVID. 


"Early  the  next  morning  Jonathan  arose,  took  an 
affectionate  leave  of  his  beloved  family,  in  order  to  a 
hasty  return  to  the  army.  His  wife  asked,  with  much 
tenderness,  when  she  might  look  for  his  return.  His 
answer  was  evasive  and  obscure.  The  settled  purpose 
of  his  soul,  though  he  would  not  make  it  known  to  her, 
was  that  expressed,  on  another  occasion,  by  the  far- 
famed  hero  of  Troy  :  — 

'No,  if  I  e'er  return,  return  I  must 
Glorious,  my  country's  terror  laid  in  dust.' 

"  Soon  after  his  departure,  she  entered  the  hall  of  the 
domestics,  and  learned  that  the  subaltern  who  had  at- 
tended Jonathan  from  the  army,  had  stated  there,  '  that 
the  unanimous  opinion  of  all  the  distinguished  warriors 
in  the  army  was,  that  no  man  in  Israel  would  be  justi- 
fiable in  meeting  the  Philistine  champion  in  the  present 
circumstances ;  he  being  covered  with  armor  of  proof, 
from  the  most  renowned  manufactory  in  Tyre,  ren- 
dered his  person  wholly  unassailable  ;  that  the  men  of 
Israel,  who  possessed  no  such  armor,  could  not  stand 
before  Goliath  oji  such  terms  of  equality  as  the  laws  of 
ffiir  and  honorable  combat  among  valiant  men  required  ; 
that  neither  honor,  patriotism,  nor  fame  could  justify 
the  hero  of  dauntless  heart  and  strong  arm,  in  exposing 
his  unprotected  person  to  the  spear  and  the  sword  of  a 
champion,  who,  being  himself  clothed  in  sheets  of  im- 
penetrable iron  and  brass,  was  perfectly  secure  from 
Avounds.'  He  stated,  moreover,  'that  in  the  transient 
engagements  that  had  taken  place  between  the  wings 
of  the  two  armies,  the  men  of  Israel  had  acquitted 
themselves  well,  and  the  enemy  had  been  effectually 
held  in  check;  tliat  the  council  of  war  had  decided  to 


DAVID. 


123 


act,  for  the  present,  wholly  on  the  defensive,  and  wait 
the  indications  of  the  providence  of  God.' 

'•After  hearing  this,  the  anxieties  and  fears  of  the 
wife  of  Jonathan  were  suddenly  and  violently  impelled 
into  a  new  channel.  She  had  marked  the  firm  and 
sublime  resolve  that  was  in  his  eye,  and  in  his  manner, 
at  his  departure.  She  knew  its  meaning  well.  '  Ah  ! ' 
she  exclaimed,  '  should  my  rash  and  indiscreet  zeal,  so 
hastily  expressed,  drive  that  dear,  noble  patriot  to  sac- 
rifice his  precious  life,  against  the  light  of  his  better 
judgment,  bitterly,  bitterly  must  my  tears  flow.  My 
children  fatherless  !  my  country  bereaved  of  its  bright- 
est ornament  !  How  can  I  live  under  the  agonizing 
thought  ?  '  and  the  tumult  of  her  soul  was  like  the 
waves  that  are  tossed  by  the  wing  of  the  tempest, 
through  all  that  tedious  and  memorable  day. 

"  As  for  Jonathan,  he  was  now  urging  his  way  to  the 
field  of  action.  His  purpose  being  firmly  fixed,  all  the 
agitation  of  his  mind  was  past  and  gone,  like  the  mists  of 
the  morning  before  the  advancing  day.  He  had  called 
to  mind  the  promises  of  God,  his  covenant  faithfulness 
to  Israel,  and  the  many  instances  in  which  he  had 
appeared  for  the  salvation  of  his  people  in  the  very 
darkest  hour.  He  now  experienced  that  calmness  and 
serenity  of  soul,  that  belong  to  that  man  who  sees  the 
path  of  duty  plain,  and  has  a  high,  unwavering  confi- 
dence in  God.  As  '  coming  events  cast  their  shadows 
before,'  he  had  a  strong  inward  persuasion  that  the  hour 
of  Goliath's  downfall  was  come,  and  that  tlie  name  of 
the  God  of  Israel  would  be  glorified. 

"  In  this  frame  of  mind  he  reached  the  army,  and 
went  directly  to  the  pavilion  of  the  king,  in  order  to 


124  DAVID. 

make  his  determination  known.  On  his  arrival,  he  saw 
a  yoimg  man,  of  ruddy  countenance  and  noble  bearing, 
in  earnest  conversation  with  King  Saul.  It  was  David. 
He  had  just  declared  his  determination  to  meet  Goliath 
in  battle,  and  had  obtained  the  consent  of  the  king  and 
his  council  of  war.  Although  Jonathan,  from  the  view 
he  had  that  morning  enjoyed  of  Jehovah's  goodness  and 
faithfulness  to  Israel,  had  not  a  doubt  remaining  on  his 
mind,  that  the  man  who  went  against  the  champion  of 
Dagon  '  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of 
the  armies  of  Israel,'  would  certainly  prevail,  yet  he 
was  too  magnanimous,  too  generous  and  brave,  to  step 
between  the  interesting  youth  that  now  stood  before 
him  and  the  prospect  of  distinction  and  lasting  fame. 

"  When  David  marched  forth  to  begin  the  fight,  Jon- 
athan took  his  stand  in  the  fore  front  of  the  army.  In 
his  hand  was  his  trusty  spear,  and  that  sword  was  by 
his  side  that  had  often  turned  the  tide  of  battle  and  led 
the  hosts  of  Israel  to  victory.  Though  he  confidently 
looked  for  David's  triumph,  yet  his  position  and  de- 
meanor revealed  his  intention,  that  incase  David  should 
fall,  he  himself  would  rush  upon  Goliath  and  conquer 
or  die. 

"  When  Goliath  fell,  and  the  Philistine  host  began  to 
fly,  and  the  men  of  Israel  and  Judah  arose,  and  shouted, 
and  pursued  them,  the  pursuit  was  headed  by  Jonathan. 
The  thrust  of  his  spear  was  resistless,  and  the  sweep 
of  his  sword  terrible  to  the  foes  of  his  country.  Many 
and  strong  were  the  armed  men  that  he  dashed  to  the 
earth,  as  over  valley,  hill,  and  mountain,  they  fled  from 
the  land  of  Israel.  Nor  did  he  pause  in  the  pursuit  till 
the  aff"righted  fragments  of  the  flying  army  had  poured 


DAVID.  125 

their  confused  masses  into  the  gates  of  Ekron,  and  the 
pale  and  trembUng  city  of  Dagon  closed  and  barred 
her  sates  against  the  victorious  hosts  of  the  living  God. 
It  was  in  view  of  the  splendid  feats  of  valor  performed 
on  this  day,  that  David,  long  afterwards,  when  com- 
posing that  celebrated  elegy  to  the  memory  of  Jona- 
than, said,  '  He  was  swifter  than  the  eagle,  and  stronger 
than  the  lion.' 

"  Never  shall  I  forget,"  said  Belial,  "  the  scene  which 
transpired,  when  the  pursuit  of  the  Philistines  was  over, 
and  the  troops  of  Israel  were  mustered  again  in  the 
presence  of  the  king.  Abner,  the  commander-in-chief, 
took  David,  and  brought  him  before  King  Saul,  with  the 
head  of  the  Philistine  in  his  hand.  Jonathan,  having 
put  off  his  battle  garments,  was  now  arrayed  in  the  rich 
and  costly  robe  which  he  V\^orc  as  heir  to  tlie  crown. 
He  came  forward  in  view  of  all  the  officers  and  the  long 
ranks  of  the  armed  men,  and,  in  the  most  graceful  and 
dignified  manner,  tendered  to  David  the  thanks  and 
gratitude  of  the  king,  of  the  officers  and  of  the  army, 
the  thanks  and  gratitude  of  his  country,  and  blessed 
him  again  and  again  in  the  name  of  his  God  ;  then,  in  a 
transport  of  afiection  and  entliusiasm,  he  clasped  him 
to  his  bosom,  called  Iiim  his  brother,  his  friend,  the  light 
and  glory  of  Israel.  He  then  took  olf  his  beautiful  gar- 
ment, and  gave  it  to  David,  and  gave  him  the  broad 
ornamented  belt  or  girdle  that  Avas  around  him,  and 
gave  him  his  sword  and  his  bow.  '  Take  these,'  said 
he,  '  and  Avear  them  as  a  token  of  the  regard  and  esteem 
of  your  brother  Jonathan  ; '  and  then  and  there  they 

made  a  covenant  of  eternal  fidelity  and  friendship a 

covenant  which  was  never  violated. 

II* 


126 


DAVID. 


'■  The  army  was  now  marching  back  to  the  cities 
where  their  families  had  been  left  when  they  went  to 
the  war.  At  their  approach,  the  women  came  out  sing- 
ing and  dancing  to  meet  King  Saul  and  his  victorious 
soldiers.  The  sister,  the  daughter,  the  wife,  and  the 
mother,  had  taken  tabrets,  and  harps,  and  instruments 
of  music,  and  were  in  perfect  ecstasy  at  the  deliverance 
of  their  country,  and  the  safe  return  of  their  friends. 

"  In  the  procession  which  they  had  formed,  the  little 
girls,  with  baskets  of  flowers,  were  placed  in  front,  the 
smallest  foremost,  then  the  larger  girls,  then  wives,  sis- 
ters and  mothers  completed  the  extended  train. 

"  The  long  and  joyful  procession  was  headed  by  two 
females  of  commanding  demeanor  and  exquisite  form  ; 
the  one  was  the  wife  of  Jonathan,  the  other  was  Zer- 
uiah,  the  sister  of  David.  The  emotions  of  Zeruiah 
were  too  strong  for  utterance  ;  indeed,  they  seemed  per- 
fectly overwhelming.  Bat  what  shall  I  say  of  the  wife 
of  Jonathan  ?  Praise  to  the  God  of  battles  was  her 
theme  ;  honor  and  imperishable  renown  to  the  brave 
soldiers  of  her  country,  as  with  glowing  cheek,  with 
lifted  hands,  and  eyes  that  sparkled  through  tears 
of  joy,  she  dictated  and  sung  the  following  stanzas, 
which  were  eagerly  caught  up  and  chanted  by  the  ani- 
mated and  triumphant  train  that  followed  her  :  — 

SONG   OF  THE  WOMEN   OF  ISRAEL. 

I. 

'  Hail  to  the  bannered  hosts  of  God  ! 

And  hail  to  him  who  fills  our  throne  ! 
You've  jeopardized  your  lives  and  blood 
For  those  Jehovah  calls  his  own. 


DAVID.  127 

%ye  strew  these  roses  in  your  path  ; 

Come,  -welcome  to  your  homes  again. 
King  Saul  his  thousands  overthrew, 

And  David  hath  ten  thousands  slain  ! 

ir. 

'  The  foe  came  on,  how  fierce  and  grim  ! 

How  proudly  through  our  fields  they  strode, 
And  vowed  they'd  make  our  dwellings  swim. 

In  ^vidows'  tears  and  orphans'  blood. 
Bat  at  the  call  of  Israel's  king, 

Her  heroes  mustered  on  the  plain. 
And  Saul  his  thousands  overthrew, 

And  David  hath  ten  thousands  slain. 

III. 

'  Goliath  led  their  armies  on. 

Blasphemed  and  blustered  in  their  van, 
And  boasted  his  enormous  strength, 

"  His  height,  six  cubits  and  a  span," 
But  Israel's  stripling  shepherd  boy 

Soon  stretched  the  giant  on  the  plain, 
And  Saul  his  thousands  overthrew. 

And  David  hath  ten  thousands  slain. 

IV. 

•  Aghast  the  hosts  of  Dagon  saw 

Their  tall  and  towering  champion  fall, 
And  paleness,  trembling,  panic  seized 

Their  vaunted  warriors,  great  and  small. 
O'er  hill  and  dale,  from  Israel's  land. 

Their  frighted  legions  fled  amain. 
And  Saul  his  thousands  overthrew. 

And  David  hath  ten  thousands  slain. 

v. 

'  Hosanna  to  Jehovah's  name  ! 

To  distant  lands  the  tidings  tell. 
How  all  the  flower  of  Dagon's  host 
With  their  blaspheming  monster  fell. 


128  DAVID. 

To  sons  unborn  the  tale  rehearse, 

Let  them  to  theirs  rehearse  again, 
How  Saul  his  thousands  overthrew, 

And  David  hath  ten  thousands  slain. 

VI. 
•  Hail  to  the  bannered  hosts  of  God  ! 
The  men  who  did  their  country  save  ; 
Come,  sisters,  wives,  and  children,  join 

To  hail  the  vaUant  and  the  brave. 
We  strew  these  roses  in  your  path  ; 

Come,  welcome  to  your  homes  again ; 
King  Saul  his  thousands  overthrew. 
And  David  hath  ten  thousands  slain.' 

"  The  long  ranks  of  armed  men  stood  silent  and  still, 
as  the  female  procession  drew  nigh,  singing  this  tri- 
umphal song.  Enchanted  and  chained  by  the  power 
of  music  they  stood,  while  warm  floods  of  gushing 
tears  washed  many  a  manly  face,  as  fathers,  husbands, 
sons,  and  brothers  listened  to  this  delightful  welcome. 

"  The  sweet  and  rapturous  music  floated  wide  over 
the  surrounding  vales,  and  echoed  and  reverberated 
again  from  the  hills  and  high  mountains  of  Israel. 

"  From  this  period  Jonathan  and  David  were  much 
in  each  other's  society.  Many  an  hour  did  they  spend 
in  delightful  social  intercourse  ;  many  an  hour  in  con- 
sultation for  the  good  of  their  beloved  country ;  and 
many  an  hour  —  for  both  were  deeply  pious  —  did 
they  spend  together  in  the  praise  and  the  worship  of 
their  God." 


David's  trials.  129 


CHAPTER   XL 

DAVID'S      TRIALS. 

"Now,"  continued  Belial,  "when  I  had  witnessed 
these  things,  I  became  confirmed  in  my  suspicions 
relative  to  David,  that  were  first  awakened  by  Samuel 
anointing  him  king.  Very  shortly,  however,  all  doubt 
was  removed,  when  a  divine  vision  was  granted  to 
David,  and  the  promise  plainly  revealed,  that  the  great 
Messiah  should  be  of  his  house.  On  ascertaining  this 
alarming  fact,  I  set  my  heart  against  him.  I  resolved 
to  employ  all  the  talent  and  artifice  of  hell  in  order  to 
accomplish  his  ruin." 

"  David !  "  said  a  spirit  of  darkness,  of  harsh  and 
savage  aspect,  who  now  started  up  and  addressed  him- 
self to  Belial.  "  Did  I  not  see  David  at  Mizpeh  of 
Moab,  about  the  period  of  which  you  speak  ? " 

"  Very  likely,"  said  Belial ;  "  for  he  soon  afterwards 
fled  to  Moab,  on  account  of  the  jealousy  and  persecu- 
tion of  King  Saul." 

"  O,  I  remember  him  well,"  said  the  demon.  "  I 
was  then  engaged  in  promoting  and  extending  idola- 
try in  the  kingdom  of  Moab.  David  came  there,  and 
was  hospitably  received  by  the  king.  The  king  him- 
self was  of  the  family  of  Ruth,  who  had  been  a  con- 
vert to  the  Jewish  religion,  and  who  was  also  the  grand- 


130  David's    trials. 

mother  of  Jesse,  the  father  of  David.  So  there  was  a 
relationship  between  the  families.  But  what  I  chiefly 
remember  of  David,  was  the  psalms  and  sacred  songs 
that  he  sung,  morning  and  evening,  in  the  palace  of  the 
king,  to  the  praise  of  the  God  of  Israel.  The  king 
of  Moab  was  often  deeply  affected  when  hearing  the 
weighty  truths  of  religion  that  in  these  psalms  and 
sacred  songs  were  combined  with  strains  of  most  en- 
chanting melody." 

"  Psalms  and  sacred  songs  !  I  believe  you,"  exclaimed 
a  demon  of  yet  fiercer  and  sterner  look.  "I  heard 
them  too,  in  the  court  of  Achish,  king  of  Gath,  when 
David  was  there.  And  not  only  was  the  king  im- 
pressed, but  many  of  the  worshippers  of  Dagon  re- 
nounced his  service,  and  went  to  the  land  of  Israel, 
and  returned  no  more." 

"Yes,"  answered  Belial,  "David  was  also  at  Gath. 
But  I  will  proceed  with  my  narrative. 

"  There  were  four  distinct  and  well-devised  plans 
that  I  laid  for  the  destruction  of  David.  I  will  men- 
tion them  in  order. 

"  The  first  was  by  inflaming  against  him  the  jeal- 
ousy of  Saul.  When  the  women,  in  their  songs  and 
rejoicings,  ascribed  to  David  the  slaughter  of  ten  thou- 
sands of  their  foes,  and  ascribed  to  Saul  but  thousands, 
he  was  much  displeased,  and  began  to  eye  David  with 
suspicion.  Presently  I  contrived  to  have  it  told  to  Saul, 
that  Samuel  had  anointed  David,  and  promised  him  the 
kingdom.  This  put  him  perfectly  frantic.  In  short,  I 
succeeded  beyond  my  expectation  in  marshalling  all 
the  power  and  resources  of  King  Saul  for  the  ruin  of 
David.     Often  was  he  brought  to   the  very  brink  of 


David's  trials.  131 

destruction,  and  was  saved  only  by  some  hair-breadth 
escape,  that  was  absohitely  wonderful.  How  it  hap- 
pened I  never  could  tell  to  my  own  satisfaction.  David, 
I  know,  ascribed  his  deliverance  in  such  cases  to  the 
hand  of  God.  But  I  always  disliked  the  doctrine  of  a 
special  and  particular  providence  in  the  affairs  of  men. 
I  much  prefer,  when  any  unexpected  event  has  oc- 
curred, to  speak  of  it  as  chance,  accident,  or  what  has 
just  happened  so,  rather  than  allow  it  any  connection 
with  the  hand  and  counsel  of  God.  There  were  three 
influences,  however,  that  plainly  contributed  to  the 
escape  of  David  from  the  snares  of  Saul. 

''  First,  the  friendship  of  Jonathan,  that  never  failed 
him  even  in  the  most  dark  and  trying  time.  I  had 
labored  with  all  the  art  I  possessed  to  stir  up  jealousy 
also  in  the  bosom  of  Jonathan.  I  represented  David 
as  his  rival  in  military  fame,  by  whom  he  had  been 
eclipsed,  and  thrown  quite  into  the  shade.  I  told  him, 
further,  that  David  was  an  opposing  candidate  for  the 
crown,  who  was  likely  to  supplant  him  and  all  the 
house  of  his  father.  With  these  and  many  other  strong 
temptations,  I  tried  to  areuse  jealousy  in  the  soul  of 
Jonathan  ;  but  all  such  attempts  were  fruitless  and  vain. 
You  might  as  well  have  attempted  to  corrupt  the  dia- 
mond, or  fix  a  blot  on  the  brow  of  the  morning  star. 

"  When  Saul,  his  father,  earnestly  strove  to  prevail 
on  Jonathan  to  aid  in  the  destruction  of  David,  he  re- 
monstrated in  a  strain  so  eloquent  and  just,  that  even 
Saul  quailed  under  it,  and  for  a  time  reversed  his  pur- 
pose. 

"  '  Let  not  the  king,'  said  he,  *  sin  against  his  servant, 
even  against  David,  because  he  hath  not  sinned  aganist 


132  David's   trials. 

thee,  and  because  his  works  have  been  to  theeward 
very  good ;  for  he  did  put  his  Hfe  in  his  hand,  and 
slew  the  PhiUstine,  and  the  Lord  wrought  a  great  sal- 
vation for  all  Israel.  Thou  sawest  it,  and  didst  rejoice  ; 
wherefore,  then,  wilt  thou  sin  against  innocent  blood, 
to  slay  David  without  a  cause  ? ' 

'<  Wlien  assailed  with  the  malignant  temptations 
which  I  suggested  in  relation  to  the  claims  of  David 
to  the  crown  and  kingdom,  he  repelled  them  at  once. 
His  self-denial  filled  me  with  astonishment,  and  his 
acquiescence  in  the  revealed  will  of  God  was  almost 
without  parallel. 

"  '  If  the  Lord  has  chosen  David  to  rule  over  his 
people  Israel,'  said  he,  '  who  am  I  that  I  sliould  rebel 
against  God  ?  I  know  his  will  is  always  wise,  always 
good  ;  therefore,  amen  !  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.' 

"  Moreover,  Jonathan  warned  David  of  the  mischief 
practised  against  him  by  Saul,  aided  him  to  escape,  and 
repeatedly  brought  his  own  life  in  danger  in  attempting 
to  save  the  life  of  his  friend ;  and  yet  he  always  speaks 
of  his  father  with  respect  and  reverence.  Though  Saul 
was  now  acting  sometimes  very  foolishly,  and  some- 
times very  wickedly,  Jonathan  always  speaks  of  him 
with  tenderness  and  aifection.  And  further,  he  caused 
David  to  make  a  covenant  with  him  and  with  his  house. 
'  I  know  that  thou  shall  be  king  over  Israel,  and  the 
Lord  be  with  thee,  as  he  hath  been  with  my  father,  and 
thou  shalt  not  only  while  yet  1  live  show  me  the  kind- 
ness of  the  Lord,  but  also  thou  shalt  not  cut  off  thy 
kindness  from  my  house  forever  ;  no,  not  when  the  Lord 
hath  cut  otf  the  enemies  of  David,  every  one  from  the 
face  of  the  earth.'    And  Jonathan  caused  David  to  swear 


David's   trials.  133 

again,  because  he  loved  him  as  he  loved  his  own  soul. 
And  though  the  fortunes  of  David  afterward,  for  a  long 
season,  were  gloomy,  forbidding,  and  often  desperate, 
and  though  friends  deserted  and  sought  to  accomplish 
his  ruin,  yet  the  fidelity  of  Jonathan  never  wavered. 
His  friendship  for  David  was  lasting  as  life.  What  am 
I  saying  ?  From  the  statement  of  great  Lucifer  just 
now  given,  it  appears  that  their  friendship  is  lasting  as 
eternity. 

"  Such  was  Jonathan.  My  narrative  for  a  time  must 
take  leave  of  him  here.  But  his  name  will  go  in  a 
stream  of  light  to  all  succeeding  generations. 

"  The  worshippers  of  Jehovah  admired  and  com- 
mended him  while  he  lived,  and  affectionately  em- 
balmed his  memory  when  dead.  He  was  long  a  favor- 
ite theme  of  conversation  in  the  social  circle.  Many 
eulogies  were  bestowed  upon  his  acts  and  character ; 
they  styled  him  '  the  affectionate  and  dutiful  son  ;  the 
warm,  worthy,  and  valiant  patriot ;  the  rival  of  unpar- 
alleled generosity  and  greatness  of  soul ;  the  pure, 
spotless,  amiable  man ;  the  devout,  consistent  servant 
of  God ;  and  the  finest  illustration  of  firm,  faithful,  ex- 
alted friendship  to  be  found  in  the  annals  of  Adam's 
race.'  Many  rejoiced  when  they  saw  that  the  acts  of 
Jonathan  were  written  in  the  book  of  the  chronicles  of 
the  church  of  God  —  that  book  which  is  now  spreading 
round  the  globe.  They  rejoiced  that  its  pages  will 
hold  up  the  name  and  character  of  Jonathan  as  long 
as  the  sun  and  moon  shall  endure,  for  the  wonder,  the 
instruction,  and  the  imitation  of  the  sons  of  men. 

"  A  second  source  of  aid  to  David  amidst  the  strata- 
gems of  Saul,"  said  Belial,  "  was  the  counsel  of  Ahitli- 
12 


134  DAVID'S     TRIALS. 

ophel.  This  extraordinary  man  was  endued  Avith  fore- 
cast and  political  discernment  to  an  extent  that  was  per- 
fectly astonishing.  The  finest  eulogium  ever  bestowed 
on  the  talents  of  earthly  politician,  is  recorded  by  the 
writer  of  the  Second  Book  of  Samuel :  '  The  counsel  of 
Ahithophel,  which  he  counselled  in  those  days,  was  as  if 
a  man  had  inquired  at  the  oracle  of  God ;  so  was  the  coun- 
sel of  Ahithophel  both  with  David  and  with  Absalom.' 

"  Modern  nations  may  talk  of  their  Talleyrands,  their 
Chathams,  and  their  Cannings,  but  never,  in  all  my 
walks  among  the  sons  of  men,  have  I  encountered  the 
equal  of  Ahithophel,  the  counsellor  of  David.  Often, 
when  Saul  and  his  advisers  had  thrown  around  David 
snares  from  which  it  seemed  impossible  he  should  es- 
cape, it  required  but  a  single  suggestion  from  Ahitho- 
phel, and  all  these  well-laid  plans  were  left  like  the 
remains  of  that  building,  where  the  living  coal  has 
touched  the  powder  magazine. 

"He  seemed  to  know,  with  an  accuracy  that  was 
marvellous,  the  exact  condition  of  his  foe,  and  the 
measures  he  would  most  certainly  adopt.  And  then,  on 
the  question,  How  shall  these  measures  be  counteracted 
and  covered  with  confusion  ?  his  judgment  was  un- 
erring. 

"  He  never  tampered  with  an  adversary.  His  only 
aim  was  total  defeat.  And  his  counsel,  when  followed, 
was  like  the  red  artillery  discharged  from  the  black 
cloud  in  heaven,  shivering  to  atoms  all  that  is  in  its 
pathway,  and  burying  in  one  common  ruin  the  pygmy 
and  the  giant. 

"  A  tJiird  agency  that  favored  David  at  this  period, 
was  that  of  a  host  of  valiant  men  by  whom  he  was 
surrounded.     The  names   of   thirty  and  seven  of  his 


David's  trials.  135 

mightiest  men  have  been  handed  down  in  the  histories 
of  those  times. 

"  All  of  the  thirty-seven  were  not  with  David  yet, 
though  some  of  the  most  famous  were.  I  would  men- 
tion Jashobeani  the  Tachmonite,  and  Eleazar  the  son 
of  Dodo,  men  of  great  renown.  The  Tachmonite 
had  with  his  spear,  in  one  day,  slain  eight  hundred  of 
the  foes  of  Israel.  Eleazar  the  son  of  Dodo  had  also 
slain  three  hundred  of  the  Philistines  in  oner  battle. 

"  But  there  were  two  nephews  of  David,  the  sons  of 
his  sister  Zeruiah,  of  whom  I  wish  to  speak  more  par- 
ticularly. The  first  I  will  name  was  Abishai,  a  man 
of  an  iron  frame,  and  possessing  the  heart  of  a  lion.  In 
the  line  of  battle  he  was  a  pillar  of  fire,  and  to  encoun- 
ter the  weapon  he  wielded  was  certain  death.  When 
a  troop  of  Philistines  broke  into  the  country,  and  the 
men  of  Israel  fled,  Abishai  planted  himself  before  them, 
like  an  impregnable  tower,  and  slew  three  hundred  with 
his  single  hand.  He  was  afterwards  a  famous  com- 
mander in  the  armies  of  David,  and  has  rarely  been 
equalled  in  any  age  or  country.  It  is  worthy  of  remark 
that  David,  when  embarking  in  any  desperate  adven- 
ture, was  sure  to  select  this  man  to  be  his  companion, 
and  see  him  through  the  danger. 

"  When  Saul  came  out  with  three  thousand  men  to 
seek  for  David  in  the  wilderness  of  Ziph,  David,  from 
the  top  of  a  neighboring  mountain,  watched  the  place 
of  Saul's  encampment.  In  the  dead  of  night,  when 
he  calculated  the  men  of  war,  fatigued  with  a  long 
day's  march,  would  be  sound  asleep,  he  determined  to 
go  into  Saul's  camp,  and  give  him  some  proof,  that  he 
had  no  wish  to  takg  his  li£e,  or  injure  him,  even  when 
it  was  clearly  in  his  power.     And  yet  the  attempt  was 


136  David's  trials. 

very  perilous,  for  should  the  guard  be  awake,  he  might 
be  taken,  and  thus  fall  into  the  hands  of  Saul.  '  Who 
will  go  with  me  into  Saul's  camp  ? '  said  David  to  his 
men.  '  I  will  go,'  said  Abishai,  volunteering  in  a  mo- 
ment. So  David  and  Abishai  came,  and  behold  Saul 
lay  sleeping  within  the  trench,  and  his  spear  stuck  in 
the  ground  at  his  bolster.  But  Abner  and  the  people 
lay  round  about  him.  Then  said  Abishai  to  David, 
'  God  hatlr  delivered  thine  enemy  into  thine  hand.  Let 
me,  I  pray  thee,  smite  him  with  the  spear  once,  and  I 
will  not  smite  him  the  second  time.'  But  David  said 
to  Abishai,  '  Destroy  him  not,  for  who  can  stretch  forth 
his  hand  against  the  Lord's  anointed,  and  be  guiltless  ? 
And  moreover,'  said  David,  '  as  the  Lord  liveth,  the 
Lord  shall  smite  him,  or  his  day  shall  come  that  he 
shall  die,  or  he  shall  descend  into  battle  and  perish.  The 
Lord  forbid  that  I  should  stretch  forth  my  hand  against 
the  Lord's  anointed.  But,  Abishai,  take  the  spear  that 
is  at  his  bolster  and  the  cruse  of  water,  and  let  us  go.' 

"  David,  from  the  top  of  a  distant  hill,  called  to  Abner, 
and  reproved  him  for  the  careless  manner  in  which  he 
had  guarded  the  king,  and  appealed  to  Saul  if  he  was 
not  now  convinced  that  he  designed  him  no  harm,  since 
he  had  taken  the  spear  and  cruse  of  water  from  his 
bolster,  and  had  made  no  attempt  on  his  life. 

"  Such  is  a  sketch  of  Abishai.  You  will  hear  of  him 
again.  But  I  must  now  say,  that  Joab,  David's  other 
nephew,  was  a  man  even  more  remarkable.  Not  so 
broad  in  the  shoulders,  nor  so  heavily  built,  as  Abishai, 
he  was  considerably  taller,  and  his  whole  frame  firmly 
knit  from  head  to  foot.  He  possessed  that  symmetry  of 
form,  those  exquisite  propo^ons,  that  combine  activity 
with  strength  in  the  highest  perfection.    He  was,  in  fact, 


David's  trials.  137 

the  very  finest  military  figure  I  have  ever  seen,  and  to 
no  man  could  the  appellation  be  given  with --more  pro- 
priety, that  he  was  '  born  to  command.' 

"  As  to  his  courageous  and  noble  bearing  in  the  horrid 
front  of  war,  I  will  rehearse  one  instance,  out  of  many 
that  might  be  given.  When  David  was  anointed  king 
over  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  some  years  after  the  period 
of  which  I  have  been  speaking,  he  resolved  to  select 
Jerusalem  as  the  capital  of  his  kingdom.  But  the  castle 
of  Jerusalem,  a  very  strong  fortress,  was  now  in  the 
possession  of  the  Jebusites,  the  ancient  inhabitants  of 
the  land.  The  fortifications  of  this  castle  had  been  con- 
structed at  vast  expense,  and  with  such  consummate 
skill,  that  it  was  deemed  absolutely  unassailable.  It 
was  indeed  the  Gibraltar  of  that  age  and  country.  The 
armed  men,  who  defended  this  tower,  scoffed  at  David 
from  the  top  of  their  walls,  and  boasted  that  they  were 
beyond  his  power.  David  knew  that  the  possession  of 
this  place  was  essential  to  the  prosperity  of  his  king- 
dom. And  yet  he  knew  that  the  difficulty  and  danger 
were  such,  that  he  published  he  would  confer  the  chief 
command  of  his  army  on  the  man  who  would  take  this 
castle  by  storm.  No  sooner  was  this  proclamation  made, 
than  Joab,  his  sister's  son,  put  on  his  armor,  took  with 
him  a  chosen  band,  in  whom  he  knew  he  could  con- 
fide, and  with  the  agility  and  fierceness  of  the  Asiatic 
tiger,  scaled  the  battlements,  cut  his  way  through  the 
armed  warriors  that  attempted  to  resist,  and  threw  them 
down  from  the  top  of  their  own  towers,  or  at  once  sub- 
dued them  by  the  sword.  Tims  Joab  became  com- 
mander-in-chief of  the  army,  during  the  reign  of  David, 

"  As  a  disciplinarian,  Joab  has  had  few  equals  and  no 

12* 


138 


David's  trials. 


superior  in  the  annals  of  the  military  world.  The  per- 
fect training  of  the  troops  under  his  command  stands 
conspicuous  till  this  day  on  the  pages  of  the  history  of 
those  times.  When  Abner,  confiding  in  the  strength  of 
numbers,  having  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  except  Judah, 
under  his  command,  challenged  Joab,  and  the  servants 
of  David,  to  a  trial  of  their  skill  in  arms  at  the  pool  of 
Gibeon,  he  soon  found  he  had  encountered  his  superior. 
But  the  moment  that  Abner,  in  his  flight,  called  to  Joab, 
requesting  him  to  stop  the  pursuit,  Joab  blew  a  trumpet, 
and  his  army,  though  flushed  with  victory,  stood  still, 
and  pursued  after  Israel  no  more.  (2  Sam.  ii.  28.) 

'*  In  like  manner,  in  that  decisive  battle  fought  with 
Absalom,  —  though  the  strongest  excitement  was  acting 
on  every  mind,  — twenty  thousand  men  had  been  cut 
down  in  the  terrible  strife,  and  the  slaughter  was  yet 
at  its  height,  scattered  over  the  extended  plain  and 
throughout  the  wood  of  Ephraim  :  yet  the  instant  that 
Absalom  fell,  Joab,  to  prevent  the  needless  eff'usion  of 
blood,  '  blew  the  trumpet,  and  the  people  returned  from 
pursuing  after  Israel,  for  Joab  held  the  people  back.' 

"  As  another  proof  of  the  extraordinary  perfection  of 
the  discipline  of  the  army,  it  is  recorded,  that  when 
David  was  flying  from  Jerusalem,  and  Shimei  came  out 
and  cursed  him  in  a  manner  so  rude  and  provoking,  the 
most  valiant  man  in  the  life-guards  durst  not  lift  his 
hand  to  take  vengeance  on  Shimei,  without  first  asking 
leave  of  his  superior.  (2  Sam.  xvi.  5 — 13.) 

"  I  will  mention  but  one  example  more  of  the  admi- 
rable training  of  the  army  under  this  distinguished  com- 
mander. Long  after  David  had  come  to  the  throne, 
the  Syrians,  in  alliance  with  the  Ammonites,  declared 


David's  trials.  139 

war  against  him.  David  sent  Joab,  and  all  the  host  of 
the  mighty  men.  When  they  found  the  enemy,  an 
army  of  Syrians  was  encamped  in  the  field,  near  a  city 
of  the  Ammonites.  Just  as  Joab  had  drawn  up  his 
army  in  front  of  the  foe,  behold,  the  gates  of  the  city 
opened,  and  a  strong  body  of  armed  Ammonites  poured 
out,  and  attacked  his  troops  in  the  rear.  Though  this 
was  unexpected,  and  the  foe  had  planned  it  with  a  con- 
fidence that  it  must  prove  fatal  to  Israel,  yet  it  required 
but  a  moment  for  such  a  general  as  Joab  to  provide  for 
the  emergency.  He  gave  the  word  of  command,  and 
half  his  army  wheeled  to  the  right  about,  and  presented 
their  front  to  the  children  of  Amnion  :  he  then  said  to 
his  brother  Abishai, '  Take  the  command,  and  I  will  lead 
the  other  half  against  the  Syrians.'  Then,  in  one  of 
the  noblest  military  addresses  ever  delivered  at  the  head 
of  an  army,  he  went  on  :  '  If  the  Syrians  be  too  strong 
for  me,  then  shalt  thou  help  me  ;  but  if  the  children  of 
Amnion  be  too  strong  for  thee,  then  I  will  come  and  help 
thee.  Be  of  good  courage,  and  let  us  play  the  men  for 
our  people,  and  for  the  cities  of  our  God  ;  and  the  Lord 
do  what  seemeth  him  good.'  I  need  scarcely  add,  that 
the  Syrians  and  Ammonites  both  fled  at  the  first  assault  ; 
for  what  could  stand  before  such  valor,  combined  with 
such  discipline?     (2  Sam.  x.  8 — 12.) 

"  Such  was  Joab.  The  drilling  and  mustering  of  his 
army,  preparatory  to  some  great  engagement,  was,  in 
that  military  age,  universally  regarded  as  a  splendid 
spectacle. 

"  Such  was  the  unlimited  confidence  with  which  he 
inspired  his  soldiers,  that  they  looked  only  for  victory 
when  he  was  their  leader.     And  in  the  shock  of  con- 


140  David's  trials. 

tending  armies,  —  the  critical  crisis  of  battle,  when  spear 
meets  spear,  and  sword  encounters  sword,  and  the  for- 
tune of  the  day  is  trembling  in  even  scales,  — 

'  One  blast  upon  his  bugle  horn 
Was  worth  a  thousand  men.' 

"  He  never  gave  a  challenge,  nor  declined  a  challenge 
when  given.  He  never  asked  quarter,  nor  refused 
quarter  when  asked.  He  never  boasted  of  his  own 
valiant  deeds,  nor  decried  the  valiant  deeds  of  another. 
Nor  was  he  ever  seen  to  change  color,  or  appear  in  the 
slightest  degree  fluttered  or  discomposed,  even  in  the 
worst  extremity.  Collected,  calm,  resolute,  he  looked 
danger  in  the  face  with  an  eye  that  never  quailed,  and 
met  and  mastered  the  foes  of  his  country  wherever  they 
appeared. 

"  For  forty  years,  he  headed  the  armies  of  Israel,  and 
never  sustained  a  defeat.  He  fought  perhaps  more 
than  a  hundred  pitched  battles,  and  was  always  victo- 
rious. 

"  In  all  the  campaigns  of  Israel,  while  Joab  was  com- 
mander-in-chief, there  is  not  a  solitary  Flodden  field, 
or  field  of  Waterloo. 

"  Such  is  a  sample  of  the  brave  men  who  surrounded 
David  during  the  years  of  his  adversity.  And  let  me 
repeat,  that  through  these  influences,  viz.,  the  friend- 
ship of  Jonathan,  the  counsel  of  Ahithophel,  and  the 
valor  of  his  soldiers,  all  the  stratagems  and  eff"orts  of 
Saul  for  his  destruction  were  rendered  ineflectual  and 
vain. 

"  I  will  now,"  said  Belial,  "  point  out  the  second  class 
of  snares  by  which  I  thought  to  ruin  David.  After  the 
lapse  of  some  five  years,  he  became  wearied  out  with 


David's  trials.  141 

the  persecutions  of  Saul,  and  resolved  to  leave  the 
country  of  Israel,  and  go  and  sojourn  in  the  land  of  the 
Philistines.  He  accordingly  took  his  residence  in  the 
dominions  of  Achish,  king  of  Gath. 

"  Achish  was  the  enemy  of  Saul,  and  the  enemy  of 
Israel.  He  gave  David  a  very  cordial  reception.  He 
saw  it  was  weakening  the  host  of  Israel.  It  weis  fos- 
tering tlieir  divisions.  And  he  was  glad  to  have  a 
wai-rior  of  such  renown,  and  such  a  company  of  valiant 
men,  added  to  the  forces  under  his  command.  And  as 
David  and  his  men  brought  their  households  with  them, 
Achish  considered  this  a  sufficient  guaranty  of  their 
fidelity.     (I  Sam.  xxvii.  l-r-T'-) 

"  Achish,  also,  to  confirm  David  and  his  men  in  the 
interest  of  their  new  prince,  gave  them  the  city  of  Zik- 
lag  for  their  permanent  home.  This  was  exceedingly 
gratifying  to  them,  after  the  long  years  of  wandering 
and  peril  through  which  they  had  passed. 

"  I  was  much  delighted,"  said  Belial,  "  with  this  new 
arrangement.  I  saw  it  would  give  me  advantages 
against  David,  which,  until  now,  I  had  not  antici- 
pated. 

"  Since  the  death  of  Moses,  and  the  settlement  of  the 
tribes  in  Canaan,  I  had  rarely  known  an  Israelite  who, 
either  from  choice  or  necessity,  left  the  land  where  God 
had  planted  his  people,  and  settled  permanently  in  the 
midst  of  a  heathen  nation,  but  he  gradually  fell  in 
with  the  idolatries  that  were  prevalent  and  fashionable 
around  him,  and  ultimately  abandoned  entirely  the 
worship  of  Jehovah.  I  hoped  this  result  would  follow 
in  the  case  of  David. 

"  Idol  gods,  of  costly  material  and  splendid  work- 


142  David's  trials. 

manship,  were  now  set  up  throughout  the  land  of  the 
Philistines,  and  wealth  and  respectability,  fashion  and 
public  sentiment,  exerted  all  their  influence  to  hurry  the 
multitude  along  in  the  broad  way.  I  had,  for  a  time, 
high  hopes  that  David  and  his  men,  exiled  from  their 
own  country,  would  be  carried  away  by  this  strong  and 
sweeping  tide.  The  king  of  Israel  had  sought  his  life 
with  a  persevering  bitterness  that  seemed  to  know  no 
limit,  and  few  of  the  people  of  Israel  had  so  sympa- 
thized during  his  multiplied  and  protracted  wrongs,  as 
to  offer  him  shelter  or  protection.  Achish,  a  worship- 
per of  Dagon,  had  not  only  received  him  kindly  when 
houseless  and  friendless,  but  had  generously  given  the 
city  of  Ziklag,  with  its  fields  and  its  vineyards,  to  him 
and  his  men  for  their  permanent  home. 

"  David  acknowledged,  in  public  ^id  in  private,  the 
obligations  under  which  he  was  brought  by  the  gener- 
ous and  hospitable  treatment  of  the  king ;  and  such 
were  his  professions  of  gratitude  and  fidelity,  and,  in- 
deed, such  the  general  tenor  of  his  conduct,  that  Achish 
now  reposed  in  him  the  highest  confidence,  and  gave 
him  one  of  the  most  honorable  and  important  commis- 
sions in  his  army  :  that  is,  he  made  him  commander  of 
the  life-guards  that  were  about  his  own  person. 

"  I  now  brought  before  the  mind  of  David  every 
plausible  temptation  I  could  invent,  to  induce  him  to 
adopt  the  religion  of  King  Achish.  I  assured  him 
that  the  personal  advantages  would  be  immense  ;  that 
nothing  he  could  do  would  so  highly  gratify  the  king, 
and  that  it  would  open  to  him  the  most  splendid  pros- 
pects of  advancement.  But  he  would  not  entertain  the 
temptation  ;  no,  not  for  an  hour. 


David's  trials.  143 

"  The  psalms  and  sacred  songs  composed  by  David 
have  been  mentioned  already.  He  was  a  poet  of  the 
highest  order,  and  his  psalms  abomided  with  celebra- 
tions of  the  mercy  and  truth,  the  wisdom  and  power, 
the  justice  and  glory,  of  the  God  of  Israel.  Many  of 
them  were  historical,  containing  a  sublime  rehearsal 
of  the  mighty  acts  of  Jehovah  in  behalf  of  his  covenant 
people  in  the  earlier  ages  of  the  world.  Others  were 
prophetic,  looked  far  into  the  future,  dwelt  on  the 
promises  of  God,  and  the  glorious  things  that  were 
spoken  of  the  church  for  generations  to  come.  David 
also  excelled  as  a  musician.  Early  in  life  his  reputa- 
tion as  a  skilful  performer  on  the  harp  brought  him  to 
the  court  of  King  Saul,  to  cheer  him  in  those  seasons 
of  melancholy  to  which  he  was  subject ;  and  old  Jew- 
ish records,  till  this  day,  speak  of  his  '  melodious  voice,' 
and  of  his  being  *  master  of  hymns.' 

"Now,"  said  Belial,  "long  experience  has  convinced 
me  that  divine  truth  embodied  in  beautiful  poetry,  and 
accompanied  by  the  charms  of  music,  is  peculiarly  to 
be  dreaded  by  the  hosts  of  hell.  Truth  presented  in 
that  form  arrests  the  attention  of  men,  fastens  on  the 
memory,  and  penetrates  the  heart.  I  will  speak  on 
this  subject  again.  But,  powers  of  darkness,  in  all 
your  wars  with  the  church  of  God,  guard  that  point, 
—  I  warn  you,  guard  it. 

"  David,  while  in  the  country  of  the  Philistines,  often 
employed  his  evenings,  and  other  seasons  of  leisure,  in 
celebrating  the  praises  of  Jehovah  in  psalms,  and  hymns, 
and  spiritual  songs.  His  soldiers  joined  with  him  in 
these  seasons  of  worship.  The  scenes  to  them  were 
impressive  and  solemn.     It  was  '  singing  the   Lord's 


144  David's  trials. 

song  in  a  strange  land.'  Many  of  the  Philistines  would 
gather  round  on  these  occasions,  and  listen  with  pro- 
found attention.  It  was  mentioned  by  one,  not  long 
since,  that  many  of  the  Philistines,  at  this  period,  were 
converted  to  the  religion  of  Israel.  Yes,  indeed,  those 
Gittites  that  came  with  David  from  Gath,  and  those 
Cherethites  and  Pelethites  that  were  afterwards  so 
famous  in  his  armies,  were  chiefly  Philistines,  who, 
about  this  time,  embraced  the  religion  of  Israel.  In- 
deed, this  sojourning  of  David  in  the  country  of  the 
Philistines  'a  full  year  and  four  months,'  though  not 
originally  designed  as  such,  proved  to  be  the  most  suc- 
cessful '  mission  to  the  heathen,'  that  had  yet  been  per- 
formed by  the  church  of  God. 

*'  It  was  at  the  close  of  one  of  those  beautiful  days 
so  common  in  the  fine  climate  of  Palestine ;  night  had 
thrown  her  sable  mantle  over  mountain,  lake,  and  plain, 
announcing  to  wearied,  care-worn  man  the  season  of 
rest ;  a  broad,  bright  moon  had  just  appeared  above  the 
eastern  horizon,  and  David's  men  had  gathered  around 
him  for  the  purpose  of  evening  devotion.  Abiathar, 
the  priest,  who  had  fled  to  David  when  Saul,  in  a  fit  of 
frenzy,  had  slain  his  father  and  all  the  priests  of  the 
Lord,  was  now  reading  to  the  company  in  the  book  of 
the  law  of  Moses.  A  young  man,  of  stately  form  and 
modest  countenance,  entered  the  room,  took  his  seat  in 
silence,  and  listened  to  the  reading  of  the  law.  The 
portion  selected  by  Abiathar,  on  that  evening,  was  the 
history  of  the  death  of  the  first  born  in  Egypt,  the 
departure  of  Israel,  the  pursuit  of  Pharaoh,  and  the 
destruction  of  his  host  in  the  Red  Sea.  Then  David 
took  his  harp  and  led  the  music,  while  the  whole  com- 


David's  trials.  145 

pany  joined  to  sing  the  song  of  Moses,  recorded  in  the 
fifteenth  chapter  of  Exodus,  Then  a  season  was  spent 
in  prayer. 

''  After  the  worship  was  concluded,  David  addressed 
the  young  man,  whom  he  well  knew  as  a  younger  son 
of  the  king  of  Gath. 

'• '  The  blessings  of  the  evening  be  upon  you,  Ittai. 
We  are  glad  to  have  you  with  us  at  our  devotions.' 

"  '  I  have  long  desired,'  said  the  youth,  '  to  learn 
more  of  the  fame  of  the  great  God  of  Israel.' 

"  '  You  have  long  desired  it  ? '  inquired  David. 

*' '  Yes,  long,'  answered  Ittai.  '  My  mother,  when  I 
was  a  child,  told  me  of  strange  things  that  were  done 
at  Ashdod,  and  at  Ekron,  and  at  Gath,  when  the  ark 
of  the  God  of  Israel  was  brought  into  our  country,  and 
how  Dagon  fell  before  it,  time  after  time,  and  how  the 
head  of  Dagon,  and  the  hands  of  Dagon,  were  cut  off, 
when  he  fell  before  the  God  of  Israel.'  --. 

"■ '  Ah  !  have  you  been  told  of  those  things  ? ' 

"  '  From  very  early  childhood,'  said  Ittai.  '  And 
there  was  something  in  the  manner  my  mother  talked 
on  these  subjects,  that  led  me  to  doubt  whether  she 
l)clieved  that  Dagon  was  the  supreme  God.  This  gave 
me  great  distress,  for  I  had  thought  there  Avas  no  God 
in  the  world  equal  to  Dagon,  and  I  wished  to  think  so 
still ;  but  my  mother's  words  had  excited  painful  appre- 
hensions. I  was  then  between  ten  and  twelve  years 
old,  I  went  into  the  temple  of  Dagon ;  I  looked  at  him. 
He  was  great  and  grand.  His  head,  and  face,  and  arms, 
and  all  his  upper  parts,  were  like  a  huge,  gigantic  man, 
but  all  his  lower  parts  were  like  a  great  fish.  I  looked 
at  his  eyes,  and  tried  to  get  him  to  look  at  me.     I 

13 


146  David's  trials. 

would  go  to  one  side  of  the  temple  and  stand,  and  then 
walk  to  the  other  side,  to  see  if  he  would  turn  his  eyes 
after  me ;  but  he  kept  staring  right  forward,  and  did 
not  seem  to  notice  me.  I  was  perplexed.  As  yet,  I 
doubted  not  that  Dagon  was  a  god,  but  I  was  anxious 
to  have  him  prove  to  be  greater  than  the  God  of  Israel. 
I  left  the  temple,  and  went  to  an  old,  gray-headed  bard 
and  soothsayer,  that  was  about  my  father's  court.  I 
asked  him  if  he  could  tell  me  about  the  wonderful 
works  of  the  God  of  Israel. 

'' '  "  Certainly,"  said  he,  "  certainly  :  they  are  among 
the  first  thin2;s  I  remember.  The  dim  and  early  recol- 
lections  of  my  childhood  are  full  of  them.  When  I  was 
a  small  boy,  there  were  old,  venerable  bards  then  living, 
who  rehearsed  many  marvellous  traditions.  They  re- 
lated that  the  God  of  Israel  divided  the  Red  Sea,  and 
led  his  people  through  on  dry  ground,  and  that  a  great 
king  of  Egypt,  who  attempted  to  follow  them,  and  all 
his  army,  were  drowned.  They  related  that  there  was 
a  large  fiery  cloud  went  before  the  armies  of  Israel,  and 
that  it  burned  so  brightly  that  it  could  be  seen  from 
the  temple  towers  and  mountain  tops  of  Palestine  many 
months  before  their  arrival  ;  that  when  they  came  to 
Jordan,  at  a  time  when  the  waters  overflov.'ed  all  its 
banks,  their  God  divided  the  river,  and  caused  all  their 
armies  to  go  through  on  dry  ground."  Said  the  old 
bard,  "  I  myself,  when  I  travelled  in  that  country,  have 
seen  a  stone  pillar,  that  was  set  up  by  Joshua  at  Gil- 
gal,  near  Jordan,  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  that 
marvellous  event.  And,  moreover,  I  was  told  by  those 
aged  fathers  of  song,  that  when  the  Canaanites  mus- 
tered all  their  armies   to  fight  with  Israel,  the  great 


David's  trials.  147 

Jehovah  defeated  the  Canaanites,  and  caused  the  sun  and 
moon  to  stand  still  for  the  space  of  a  whole  day,  while 
the  Canaanites  were  flying  and  Israel  pnrsning,  that 
the  victory  might  he  the  more  complete.' 

"'Here,'  said  Ittai,  'I  asked  the  old  bard,  if  he  did 
not  think  that  Dagon  could  divide  the  Red  Sea,  and 
stop  the  stream  of  Jordan,  and  make  the  sun  and  moon 
stand  still,  if  he  would  try. 

"  '  But  the  old  man  dropped  his  eyes  to  the  ground, 
looked  confounded,  slightly  shook  his  aged  head,  and 
remained  silent.  I  left  him  more  perplexed  than  ever.  I 
went  back  to  the  temple  of  Dagon  again.  I  looked  more 
closely  at  his  eyes ;  I  began  to  think  he  could  not  see 
at  all.  His  hands  appeared  motionless  and  stifl".  I  was 
now  imboldened,  and  spoke  to  him  ;  but  he  was  dumb. 
1  began  to  doubt  whether  he  had  any  knowledge,  —  in 
short,  whether  he  was  a  god  that  could  see,  or  hear,  or 
help  those  who  called  upon  him.  Prom  that  period,' 
said  Ittai,  '  my  mind  has  been  troubled  on  this  subject, 
and  I  have  come  to-night  to  learn  more  of  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  God  of  Israel.' 

"  David  admired  to  hear  these  statements  from  the 
young  prince  ;  yet,  being  now  in  the  employment  of 
Achish,  he  judged  it  best  to  say  but  little  of  Dagon  ; 
but  he  spoke  in  kind  and  encouraging  terms  to  the 
young  prince. 

" '  We  have  here,  Ittai,'  said  he,  '  the  sacred  books 
that  will  give  you  the  information  you  desire  concern- 
ing the  great  Jehovah ;  that  he  is  the  living  and  true 
God,  tliat  created  the  world,  the  great  sea,  and  the  dry 
land  ;  that  he  created  the  sun  and  the  moon,  and  all  the 
stars  of  heaven,  and  upholds  them  all  by  his  mighty 


148  David's  trials. 

and  matchless  power.  These  books  will  tell  you  that 
God  created  man  at  first  holy  and  happy.  O.  he  was 
not  then  in  the  sinful  and  wretched  state  yoii  find  him 
now.  He  was  not  the  child  of  wrath,  the  heir  of  mis- 
ery, the  victim  of  death,  when  he  came  from  the  form- 
ing hand  of  God.  Sin  committed  against  God  is  the 
source  of  all  our  sorrow  and  woe.' 

"  '  I  have  heard,'  answered  Ittai,  '  of  a  golden  age, 
when  the  world  was  much  happier  than  it  is  now.' 

"' These  sacred  books,'  continued  David,  'will  tell 
you  of  God's  mercy  to  man  in  the  midst  of  his  guilt 
and  his  ruin ;  also  of  that  great  Redeemer  God  has 
promised  to  man,  who  will  bring  everlasting  righteous- 
ness, and  prepare  us  for  a  better  world.  Here,  also, 
you  will  find  the  history  of  holy  men,  in  ages  that  are 
gone,  who  loved  and  served  the  Lord,  and  are  now  in 
the  world  of  glory.  Come  and  visit  me  often.  Abia- 
thar  or  myself  will  be  happy  to  read  for  you  in  the 
holy  oracles  ;  or,  as  you  are  learned,  you  can  read  them 
yourself.  You  will  find  there  divine  truths  more  pre- 
cious than  thousands  of  silver  and  gold ;  sweeter,  also, 
than  honey  and  the  honey-comb.' 

" '  I  shall  certainly  avail  myself  of  your  invita- 
tion,' said  Ittai.  '  It  is  the  information  I  have  most 
ardently  desired.  But,  perhaps  before  I  leave  you 
to-night,  you  and  your  singing  men  would  be  willing 
to  let  me  hear  another  hymn  to  the  praise  of  the  great 
Jehovah.' 

"  '  Willingly,  willingly,'  said  David,  taking  up  his 
harp,  and  striking  a  lively  and  beautiful  air.  The 
countenances  of  his  men,  who  had  been  listening  to 
this  conversation,  were  beaming  with  delight,  and  they 


David's  trials.  149 

joined  their  voices  with  the  deep  tones  of  the  harp,  and 
sung  the  following 

IIYMN    TO    JEHOVAH. 

I. 

*  Come  ■worship  Jehovah,  the  holy,  the  high, 

"WTiose  hand  formed  the  ocean,  the  earth,  and  the  sky  ; 
The  boundless  creation  arose  at  his  word ; 
Hosanna  I  hosanna  !  aloud  to  the  Lord. 

II. 
'  O  sun,  speak  his  praise  in  the  firmament  bright ; 
Ye  far  distant  stars,  speak  his  praises  by  night ; 
Let  earthquakes  and  tempests  rehearse  his  great  name, 
And  lightnings  and  thunders  his  grandeur  proclaim. 

III. 

•  O  man,  thou  art  formed  his  blest  image  to  bear  : 
The  stamp  of  liis  own  immortality  's  there. 

Ye  nations,  look  up,  from  the  field,  from  the  flood, 
And  sing  hallelujahs  aloud  to  your  God. 

""V 

IV. 

'  The  heathenish  idols,  how  senseless  and  vain  ! 
They're  rudely  and  stupidly  fashioned  like  men  ; 
What  folly  to  yield  them  our  worship  or  love,  — 
Their  tongue  cannot  speak,  and  their  feet  camiot  move. 


'  Shall  rational  man  put  his  confidence  there  ? 
Can  dull,  wooden  ears  hear  the  language  of  prayer  ? 
Can  eyes  that  are  blind  see  when  dangers  are  nigh  ? 
Can  hands  that  are  motionless  help  when  we  cry  ? 

VI. 

'  Come  worship  Jehovah ;  to  him  let  us  pray, 
Whose  blessings  surround  us  by  night  and  by  day. 
How  rich  is  the  promise  his  mercy  hath  given 
Of  pardon  on  earth  and  salvation  in  heaven ! 

13* 


150  davld's  trials. 


va. 


•  His  word,  like  the  movmtains,  strsnds  stable  and  sure ; 
The  sun  and  the  moon  not  so  long  shall  endure. 
Hail,  hope  of  redemption  from  death  and  the  grave ; 
Hail,  promised  Messiah  !  thou  mighty  to  save  ! ' 

"Ittai  departed  for  the  night,  hut  often  repeated  his 
visits ;  and  read,  under  the  direction  of  Abiathar,  the 
five  books  of  Moses,  the  books  of  Joshua  and  Judges, 
and  soon  became  a  believer  in  the  religion  of  Israel, 
and  a  worshipper  of  Jehovah. 

"  I  discovered,"  said  Belial,  "  that  things  were  going 
very  differently  indeed  from  my  first  anticipations. 
There  is  enormous  difficulty  in  drawing  that  man  into 
idolatry,  or  any  kind  of  vice,  who  punctually  and  firmly 
maintains  the  ordinance  of  family  worship.  Instead 
of  David  and  his  men  falling  in  with  the  religion  of 
Dagon,  they  were  leading  the  Philistines  to  embrace 
the  service  of  Jehovah  ;  and  I  determined  that  as  speed- 
ily as  possible  this  whole  business  should  be  broken  up. 

"I  set  all  my  forces  to  work,  brewing  war  with  Is- 
rael through  all  the  country  of  the  Philistines.  I  saw, 
with  the  clearness  of  demonstration,  that  this  would 
throw  around  David  mountains  of  difficulty  from  which 
there  could  be  no  escape.  To  the  war  he  must  go ;  as 
commander  of  the  life-guards,  there  was  no  avoiding  it. 
If  he  turned  traitor  to  Achish,  who  had  so  nobly  be- 
friended him  in  the  day  of  his  deep  calamity,  it  would 
blast  his  name  and  memory  forever,  where  truth  and 
honor  are  regarded ;  and  on  the  other  hand,  if  he  fought 
with  the  Philistines,  under  the  banner  of  Dagon,  against 
his  own  people,  who  were  fighting  under  the  banner  of 
his  God,  infamy,  black  as  the  night  of  Egypt,  must  over- 


David's  trials.  151 

whelm  his  character  among  them,  and  fatally  blight  all 
his  hopes  of  reaching  the  throne.  My  prospect  of  suc- 
cess here  was  brilliant,  and  my  hopes  were  high.  It  was 
by  far  the  best  snare  I  had  yet  been  able  to  set  for  David. 
Escape  appeared  impossible.  I  looked  upon  his  over- 
throw as  certain.  Every  thing  succeeded  admirably. 
War  was  declared.  Achish  mustered  his  numerous 
armies  and  marched  to  the  battle.  David,  as  command- 
er of  the  life-guards,  was  summoned  to  attend.  He 
and  his  men  had  been  newly  and  elegantly  equipped  for 
this  great  expedition.  When  marching  along  with  King 
Achish,  their  appearance  was  exceedingly  fine  ;  the 
unrivalled  discipline  and  beautiful  array  of  the  life- 
guards was  the  theme  of  remark  through  the  whole 
army.  I  may  observe  here  that  Achish  himself  was  now 
very  favorably  disposed  towards  the  Jewish  religion,  if 
he  had  not  actually  embraced  it  in  his  heart :  he  speaks 
of  the  '  angel  of  God '  as  you  might  expect  a  pious 
Jew  to  speak,  and  appeals  to  Jehovah,  and  swears  by 
his  name,  as  no  Philistine  had  been  known  to  do. 

"  And  now  the  crisis  approached.  The  battle  was 
nigh,  and  David  must  either  fight  against  his  own  peo- 
ple, or  turn  traitor  to  the  hospitable  Achish.  Look  which 
way  he  would,  disgrace  and  ruin  seemed  inevitable. 
But  just  at  this  critical  juncture,  whether  it  was  chance, 
or  vvjiether  it  was  providence,  I  never  could  learn ;  I 
have  since  strongly  suspected  it  was  by  some  adroit  ma- 
nceuvre  of  that  unaccountable  Ahithophel,  who  was 
now  with  David  as  his  counsellor  :  all  at  once  the  lords 
of  the  Philistines  became  jealous,  angry,  outrageous 
against  David  and  his  men.  They  came  up  in  a  body 
to  King  Achish.     *  What  do  these  Hebrews  here  ?     Is 


152  David's  trials. 

not  this  David,  of  whom  they  sung,  "  Sanl  hath  slain 
his  thousands,  and  David  his  ten  thousands."  Make  him 
return,  lest  in  the  battle  he  be  an  adversary  to  us. 
For  wherewith  should  he  reconcile  himself  unto  his 
master  ?  Should  it  not  be  with  the  heads  of  these  men  ? ' 
King  Acliish,  finding  that  the  lords  of  the  Philistines 
were  jealous  of  David,  commanded  him  to  return  early 
the  next  morning  to  Ziklag,  expr.essing,  at  the  same 
time,  in  the  strongest  terms,  his  own  unshaken  confi- 
dence, and  commending  the  conduct  of  David  all  the 
while  he  had  been  with  him.  (1  Sam.  xxix.  1 — 11.) 

^' Thus,"  said  Belial,  "all  my  fine  stratagems  were 
swept  away  like  the  smoke  of  the  traveller's  tent  before 
the  wind  of  the  desert." 

"  But  you  should  tell,"  said  the  Philistine  demon, 
now  rising  again,  and  seeming  riot  to  be  altogether 
pleased  with  the  version  of  the  story  as  it  had  been 
related,  "  you  should  tell  how  the  battle  went." 

"  The  battle,"  said  Belial ;  "  O,  the  Philistines  gained 
the  battle  —  a  decided  victory." 

"Yes,"  said  the  demon,  " and  a  glorious  victory  it 
was,  and  the  men  of  Israel  fled,  notwithstanding  all 
you  have  said  of  the  valor  of  Joab  and  Abishai." 

'iJoab  and  Abishai  were  not  there,"  answered  Belial : 
"they  were  with  David,  and  returned  to  Ziklag,  when 
David  was  sent  back  by  King  Achish.  But  the  victory 
of  the  Philistines  was  complete.  King  Saul  was  slain, 
and  his  three  sons,  and,  indeed,  the  flower  of  his  army." 


ZERUIAH  AND  SAMUEL,  153 


CHAPTER   XII. 

ZERUIAH    AND    SAMUEL. 

"It  is  now  necessary,"  said  Belial,  "to  notice  more 
particularly  some  circumstances  in  the  history  of  the 
family  of  Jesse,  the  father  of  David.  The  residence 
of  this  family  was  at  Bethlehem,  on  the  lot  of  land  that 
fell  to  Salmon,  one  of  the  princes  of  Jndah,  when  the 
inheritance  in  Canaan  was  divided  among  the  tribes  by 
Joshua.  Salmon  was  renowned  among  the  ancestors 
of  the  house  of  Jesse.  He  was  one  of  the  two  spies 
that  Joshua  sent  to  search  out  Jericho,  who  were  saved 
from  the  wrath  of  the  king  of  Jericho  by  Rahab,  who 
hid  them  among  some  stalks  of  flax  upon  the  roof  of 
her  house,  and  then  sent  them  in  safety  away.  Salmon 
afterwards  married  Rahab,  and  she  became  the  mother 
of  Boaz,  whose  history  is  so  particularly  detailed  in  the 
book  of  Ruth. 

"  The  family  estate  on  v/hich  Jesse  resided,  having 
been,  during  a  number  of  generations,  occupied  by  the 
princes  of  Judah,  was  improved,  adorned,  and  beautified 
in  a  very  high  degree.  The  house  of  Jesse  was  one  of 
the  favorite  resting-places  of  the  prophet  Samuel,  while 
he  travelled  as  a  circuit  judge,  administering  the  laws 
among  the  people  of  Israel.  And  the  members  of  the 
family  had  thus  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  forming  inti- 


154  ZERUIAH  AND  SAMUEL. 

mate  acquaintance  and  friendship  with  the  venerated 
old  prophet.     (I  Sam.  vii.  15 — 17.) 

"  Zeriiiah,  the  oldest  daughter,  had  taken  great  de- 
light in  pointing  out  to  Samuel  those  parts  of  the  es- 
tablishment that  were  connected  with  interesting  family 
traditions,  and  exhibiting  to  him  such  memorials  as 
had  come  down  to  them  from  former  generations.  She 
showed  him  the  field  in  which  Ruth  was  gleaning  after 
the  reapers,  when  she  first  attracted  the  attention  of 
Boaz,.and  the  veil  in  which  she  carried  the  barley  to  her 
mother-in-law,  also  the  cord  of  scarlet  thread  —  for  it  was 
still  preserved  in  the  family  —  by  which  Rahab  had  let 
down  tlie  two  spies,  over  the  wall  of  Jericho,  that  they 
might  escape  to  the  mountains  till  the. pursuit  should 
be  over.    (Ruth  ii.  5 — 17;  iii.  15.     Josh.  ii.  18.) 

''  Samuel  carefully  availed  himself  of  these  opportu- 
nities, by  pointing  their  minds  to  the  hand  and  provi- 
dence of  God,  as  it  appears  in  the  early  history  of  the 
church,  and  aiding  them  to  apprehend  the  great  doc- 
trines of  religion,  as  unfolded  in  the  oracles  of  God. 
Indeed,  the  prophet  Samuel  was  one  of  the  most  pow- 
erful men  that  ever  arose  in  Israel.  Of  the  power 
which  attended  his  preaching  there  is  a  record,  1  Sam. 
xix.  18 — 24.  Saul  had  sent  a  company  of  rude  soldiers 
to  take  David.  Samuel  was  holding  a  meeting,  of  sev- 
eral days'  continuance,  at  Naioth,  and  David  with  him. 
Saul's  soldiers  came,  and  were  subdued  by  the  power 
of  divine  truth.  Another  company,  and  then  another, 
came  ;  and  at  last  the  king  himself  ventured  nigh,  and 
was  disarmed  and  overcome  by  the  solemnity  and  power 
present  in  this  religious  meeting. 

"When  the  jealousy  of  King  Saul  became  inflamed 


ZERUIAU     AND    SAMUt:L.  155 

against  David,  it  Avas  not  long  till  it  began  to  manifest 
itself  towards  all  his  father's  house.  The  three  oldest 
sons  of  Jesse  had  for  a  time  been  soldiers  in  tlie  army 
of  Saul,  and  they  had  been  very  acceptable  to  the  king. 
But  now,  causes  of  alarm  became  daily  more  and  more 
apparent,  until  it  was  plain  that  the  family  coidd  no 
longer  remain  at  their  beloved  and  peaceful  home  in 
Bethlehem,  but  at  the  imminent  peril  of  their  lives. 

"  Doeg,  the  Edomite,  the  armor-bearer  of  King  Saul, 
was  excessive  in  his  cruelty  and  vindictiveness  against 
such  as  were  thought  to  be  favorable  to  David.  The 
family  of  Jesse,  therefore,  with  tears  and  anguish  of 
spirit,  fled  from  their  habitation  at  Bethlehem,  and  came 
to  David  at  the  cave  of  Adullam.  David  knew,  how- 
ever, that  his  aged  parents  could  not  endure  the  expo- 
sure and  hardships  of  such  a  life  as  he  must  lead.  He, 
therefore,  went  to  the  king  of  Moab,  and  said,  '  Let  my 
father  and  my  mother,  I  pray  thee,  come  down  and  be 
with  you,  until  I  know  what  God  will  do  for  me.'  The 
king  of  Moab  gave  them  a  welcome  reception,  and  they 
remained  there  all  the  while  David  was  so  hotly  perse- 
cuted by  Saul.     (1  Sam.  xxii.  1 — 4.) 

"  But  the  persecutions  of  David  continued  long. 
Darker  and  yet  more  dark  grew  the  clouds  that  threat- 
ened and  thickened  around  him.  The  whole  energies 
of  Saul's  administration  were  now  mustered  for  his  de- 
struction. Jesse  was  now  becoming  an  aged  man.  The 
frailties  and  infirmities  of  advancing  years  began  to  bear 
heavily  upon  him.  Being  weary  of  exile,  and  hearing 
that  his  house  and  possessions  at  Bethlehem  had  been 
laid  waste  by  Doeg,  the  Edomite,  it  seemed  that  his 
trials  were  becoming  heavier  than  he  could  bear.     His 


156  ZERUIAH  AND  SAMUEL. 

sons  were  all  away  with  David.  But  his  wife  and  the 
dutiful  Zeruiah  endeavored  to  cheer  his  heart,  and  call 
up  such  motives  to  constancy,  and  confidence  in  the 
promises  of  God,  as  their  minds  could  suggest.  Yet  they, 
too,  Avere  often  almost  overborne  by  discouragements. 

"  Zeruiah  herself  had  entertained  the  brightest  an- 
ticipations, when  she  saw  her  brother  David  anointed  by 
Samuel,  and  heard  the  promise  that  he  should  have  the 
kingdom  over  God's  covenant  people.  But  now  things 
had  fallen  out  so  widely  different  from  all  her  fond 
expectations,  that  she  was  perplexed  and  bewildered  in 
the  mazes  of  doubt  and  uncertainty. 

"  Her  father's  despondency  and  discouragement 
weighed  heavily  on  her  spirit,  Avhile  month  after 
month,  and  year  after  year,  rolled  by,  and  yet  she 
could  see  no  prospect  of  the  dawning  of  a  brighter  day. 

"  In  this  juncture  of  affairs,  Zeruiah  resolved  to 
make  a  visit  to  their  old  friend,  the  prophet  Samuel,  in 
hope  to  obtain  some  light  on  the  mysterious  and  frown- 
ing providences  by  which  they  were  surrounded,  and 
also  hoping  that  this  experienced  servant  of  God,  so 
long  and  so  highly  venerated  by  the  family,  could  send 
some  message  of  comfort  and  consolation  to  sustain  the 
drooping  heart  of  her  aged  father. 

'^  Samuel  himself  was  now  almost  at  the  end  of  his 
earthly  journey.  His  cheek  was  pale,  his  frame  ema- 
ciated and  frail,  and  his  hands  trembled  with  age.  But 
there  was  a  light  and  serenity  in  his  eye,  and  a  happy 
cheerfulness  in  his  voice,  which  showed  that  his  soul 
was  leaning  on  some  invisible  support,  which  he  re- 
garded as  sure  and  steadfast. 

"  Zeruiah  came  before  him,  and  stood  in  silence. 


ZEllUIAII    AND    SAMUEL.  157 

"  '  The  blessing  of  Jehovah  be  upon  thee,  my  daugh- 
ter: the  Lord  will  yet  perform  all  that  he  hath  spoken.' 

"  '  My  father/  said  Zeriiiah :  her  utterance  failed, 
while  the  tears  streamed  over  both  her  cheeks  and  ran 
down  to  the  floor. 

"  '  Your  father,'  said  Samuel,  '  is  distressed  because 
of  the  unreasonable  and  long-continued  persecutions  of 
Saul.  Ah,  long  and  deeply  did  I  mourn  for  Saul.  But 
the  Lord  rebuked  me,  and  told  me  that  he  had  rejected 
him.  But  your  father  and  his  family  are  not  in  per- 
sonal danger ;  arc  they  not  secure  in  their  exile  ? ' 

"  '  We  are  sheltered  by  the  king  of  Moab,'  said  Zer- 
uiah,  'and  our  lives  are  not  in  immediate  danger.  But 
our  homes  and  estates  have  been  ravaged  and  ruined. 
The  people  among  whom  we  live,  you  know,  are  all 
idolaters  ;  the  name  of  Israel's  God  is  a  by-word. 
vShocking  forms  of  wickedness  come  before  our  eyes 
every  day.  It  is  distressing  to  live  in  such  society. 
We  hoped  at  first  that  our  exile  would  be  but  of  brief 
duration.  But  it  has  now  continued  long  ;  and  our 
prospects  seem  to  be  growing  darker.  We  fear  our 
youth  will  become  contaminated  by  the  vile  practices 
they  must  witness  every  day.' 

"  '  O,  let  me  inqviire,'  said  Samuel,  '  where  are  those 
three  interesting  little  sons  you  dedicated  to  the  sup- 
port of  Israel's  throne,  on  the  day  your  brother  David 
was  anointed  ?  They  must  be  grown  to  the  stature  of 
men  by  this  time.' 

"  '  They  are  all  away  with  their  uncle,'  said  Zeruiah, 
'  sharing  his  privations  and  his  dangers.  They  have 
resolved,  with  one  heart,  to  protect  and  defend  him  to 
the  utmost  ;    and  if  he  perishes,  to  perish  with  him. 


158  ZERUIAH  AND  SAMUEL. 

They  will  shun  no  hazard  to  themselves,  they  will 
shrink  from  no  personal  risk  in  order  to  sustain  David. 
It  is  the  lesson  I  have  taught  them  since  the  day  you 
laid  your  hand  on  their  dear  heads  at  Bethlehem  ;  and 
though  I  feel  all  a  mother's  anxiety  for  their  safety,  yet 
I  glory  in  the  cause  to  which  their  lives  are  devoted.' 

"  '  The  Lord  preserve  and  bless  them  ! '  rejoined  Sam- 
uel. '  I  have  often  thought  of  them,  and  made  mention 
of  them  in  my  prayers,  since  that  day  when  you  made 
the  solemn  dedication  of  them  in  Jehovah's  great  name. 
May  Jehovah  be  their  Guide  and  Defender ;  may  they 
be  all  that  your  heart  has  desired  and  longed  for ;  and 
may  they  be  remembered  through  all  succeeding  ages 
as  successful  and  famous  champions  in  Israel.' 

"  The  old  prophet  uttered  these  invocations  with  an 
earnestness  and  fervor  that  sent  strong  and  thrilling 
vibrations  through  the  mother's  heart.  She  stood  for  a 
few  moments  in  profound  silence,  while  her  lips  moved, 
as  if  in  prayer.     She  then  resumed  her  first  topic. 

"  '  My  father  is  so  discouraged  with  our  multiplied 
and  protracted  trials,  that  I  fear  his  heart  will  sink. 
Can  you  not  send  him  some  word  of  encouragement, 
that  will  cheer  and  strengthen  his  spirit  amidst  our 
present  distresses  ? ' 

"  '  Certainly,'  answered  Samuel,  '  certainly.  Tell  him 
to  make  the  eternal  God  his  refuge,  and  to  lean  on  the 
everlasting  arms.  The  book  of  God  has  been  much 
read  in  your  family,  I  know,  for  I  have  found  yon  often 
reading  it  when  I  have  visited  your  house.' 

"  'We  have  read  much,'  answered  Zeruiah,  'in  the 
Book  cf  the  Law  of  the  Lord  :  it  ha§  been  a  light  to 
our  feet  and  a  lamp  to  our  patli.' 


ZERUIAII    AND    SAMUEL.  159 

"  '  Learn  then,'  said  Samuel,  '  the  lessons  of  wisdom 
that  are  there,  concerning  the  providence  of  God  ;  often 
too  deep  and  mysterions  for  us  to  comprehend  at  once, 
but  always  divinely  wise  and  divinely  good.  Tell  my 
old  friend  Jesse  to  read  attentively  the  history  of  Joseph  : 
he  will  there  find  a  beautiful  illustration  of  the  perfec- 
tion of  divhie  providence,  even  when  thick  darkness  is 
around  his  people.'     (Gen.  xxxvii.  xxxix. — xlvi.) 

" '  We  have  read  the  history  of  Joseph  much  in  our 
family,'  answered  Zerniah,  '  and  particularly  of  late.' 

"  'Well,'  said  Samuel, — and  he  rose  from  the  couch 
on  which  he  had  been  reclining,  and  sat  upright,  while  a 
peculiar  glow  of  pleasing  animation  overspread  all  his 
visage, — 'well,  it  is  most  appropriate  to  your  present 
condition.     Now  remark,  — 

"  '  1st.  Joseph  was  torn  from  his  kind  father  and 
sold  into  bondage  ;  and  sold  too  by  brothers  whom  he 
loved  and  honored.     This  made  the  trial  doubly  severe. 

"'2d.  He  was  carried  far  away  into  the  heart  of  a 
heathen  country,  where  the  name  of  his  God  was  dis- 
honored and  blasphemed. 

"  '  3d.  There  he  was  not  only  put  into  the  condition 
of  a  slave,  but  was-falsely  accused  of  the  foulest  crime 
and  thrown  into  prison,  among  the  vilest  offenders. 
And  none  appeared  to  plead  his  cause,  or  vindicate  his 
character,  and  he  had  no  means  whatever  to  make  his 
innocence  appear. 

"  '  4th.  In  that  prison  he  remained  for  the  space  of 
thirteen  years,  deprived  of  his  liberty,  and  the  darkest 
imputations  resting  on  his  name  and  character. 

"  '  Now,  how  strange  all  this  must  have  appeared  to 
Joseph,  conscious  of  his  innocence,  daring  these  thir- 


160  ZERUIAH  AND  SAMUEL. 

teen  years  !  How  often  was  he  ready  to  exclaim,  "  Has 
God  forgotten  me  ?  Is  his  ear  deaf  to  prayer  ?  Will 
lie  be  favorable  no  more  ?  "  And  I  may  say  further, 
How  strange  did  all  this  appear  to  good  old  Jacob  ! 
That  well-remembered  coat,  all  stained  with  blood,  he 
kept  hanging  up  in  his  tent.  How  often  he  looked 
upon  it  with  eyes  that  were  dimmed  with  tears !  It 
was  all  that  was  left  of  Joseph.  He  refused  to  be  com- 
forted. "  I  will  go  down  to  the  grave,"  said  he,  "  sor- 
rowing for  my  son." 

"  '  But  now,  Zeruiah,  my  daughter,'  said  Samuel, 
'look  at  the  providence  of  God  in  all  this.  During 
this  long,  dreary  wintry  season,  as  I  may  call  it,  see 
what  a  rich  harvest  of  joy  he  was  preparing  for 
Joseph,  for  Jacob,  for  the  church  of  God  in  that  age, 
and  in  all  ages  until  the  end  of  time.  First,  Joseph 
is  brought  out  of  that  prison  in  circumstances  that 
showed  Pharaoh,  and  showed  all  Egypt,  the  folly  and 
nothingness  of  the  idols  they  so  wickedly  worshipped, 
and  that  the  God  of  Abraham  was  the  only  living  and 
true  God.  He  alone  could  foresee  the  coming  famine, 
and  instruct  them  how  to  make  the  needful  prepara- 
tions. 

" '  Again ;  This  great  lesson  is  not  confined  to 
Egypt.  But  all  surrounding  lands,  that  come  into 
Egypt  to  buy  corn,  learn  the  story.  They  return  to 
their  homes,  and  tell  the  wondrous  history  there  —  the 
strange  dreams  of  Pharaoh  —  the  perplexity  and  con- 
fusion of  the  magicians  and  astrologers  of  Egypt,  who 
could  not  interpret  the  dreams  of  the  king  —  then, 
how  Joseph,  a  servant  of  the  true  God,  is  brought  for- 
ward—  how    he    expounded    all    to   the    king  —  was 


ZERUIAH  AND  SAMUEL.  161 

made  governor  over  all  the  land  —  made  extensive  and 
ample  provision  for  the  coming  famine,  by  which  so 
many  thousand  lives  were  preserved,  that  otherwise 
must  have  perished.  These  facts  were  rehearsed 
through  all  surrounding  lands,  to  the  honor  of  the  true 
religion,  to  the  confusion  of  their  idols,  and  to  the 
glory  of  the  great  name  of  the  God  of  Israel. 

"  '  And,  moreover,'  continued  Samuel,  '  I  might  add 
that  Joseph  himself,  by  the  sore  trials  through  which 
he  was  led,  was  matured  in  piety,  as  gold  is  refined  in 
the  furnace,  and  fitted  for  the  high  station  for  which 
the  Lord  designed  him.  We  should  not  have  had 
such  a  lovely  and  instructive  character  exhibited  in  the 
history  of  Joseph,  had  he  not  been  thus  disciplined 
and  trained  in  the  scliool  of  affliction.  And  further 
still  ;  the  venerable  old  patriarch,  Jacob,  was  com- 
forted ;  saw  that  the  Lord  had  done  all  things  well ; 
and  was  encouraged  to  hope  in  God,  and  look  with 
unwavering  confidence  for  the  fulfilment  of  all  his 
divine  promises.  Yes,'  exclaimed  the  old  prophet, 
elevating  his  voice,  and  kindling  with  the  majesty  and 
grandeur  of  his  subject,  — '  yes,  after  so  many  years  of 
clouds  and  darkness,  the  sun  at  length  broke  out,  and 
shone  with  peculiar  serenity  and  sweetness  on  the 
head  of  the  patriarch  through  all  the  remainder  of  his 
years  upon  earth. 

'' '  Now,  Zeruiah,  my  daughter,  these  things  were 
written  for  our  instruction,  that  we  may  not  faint  in 
seasons  of  trial,  but  have  confidence  in  God.  He  is  a 
rock  ;  his  work  is  perfect.  Blessed  are  all  they  who 
put  their  trust  in  him.' 

"  '  I  see  great  beauty  in  the  history  of  Joseph,'  said 

14* 


162  ZERUIAH  AND  SAMUEL. 

Zeruiah,  'and  the  instruction  is  delightful.  But, 
prophet  of  God,  are  we  to  believe  that  divine  provi- 
dence is  the  same  now  that  it  was  in  the  days  of 
Joseph  ?  Is  there  the  same  careful,  constant,  almighty 
guardianship  around  the  worshippers  of  God  now,  that 
there  was  in  the  time  of  the  early  patriarchs  ? ' 

"  *  Unquestionably  ! '  exclaimed  Samuel,  with  an  ear- 
nestness that  was  vehement,  '  unquestionably  !  There 
is  no  change  with  God.  His  wisdom,  goodness,  and 
power  are  as  active,  and  as  near  to  us  now,  as  in  the 
days  when  Enoch,  Joseph,  or  Moses  were  in  their  pil- 
grimage through  the  earth.  Those  who,  in  future  ages, 
shall  read  the  history  of  the  church  in  this  period,  will 
see  that  the  trials  through  which  your  brother  David  is 
now  passing,  were  just  as  necessary,  and  as  wisely  ap- 
pointed, to  prepare  him  for  the  important  station  to 
which  God  has  called  him,  as  were  the  trials  I  have 
mentioned  in  the  case  of  Joseph.  There  is  no  varia- 
bleness with  God.  He  is  the  same  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting. 

"  '  Rehearse  to  your  father  what  I  have  told  you  now. 
It  is  surely  calculated,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  to 
strengthen  his  heart. 

"  '  But,'  continued  the  old  prophet,  '  the  question  you 
have  asked  suggests  the  propriety  of  giving  another 
and  more  modern  illustration  of  the  same  truth.  I 
know  there  are  many  who  are  not  aware  that  God  is  as 
nigh  to  the  church  now  as  in  days  of  old.  I  will  there- 
fore mention  an  instance  that  has  occurred  within'  my 
own  life. 

"  '  You  were  not  born  at  the  period  of  which  I  speak, 
but  your  father  will  remember  it  well.     I  allude  to  the 


ZERUIAH    AND    SAMUEL.  IG'3 

dreadful  distress  and  desolation  of  spirit  that  overspread 
all  the  land,  on  the  loss  of  the  battle  of  Eben-ezer. 
The  venerable  Eli  was  priest  of  the  Lord  in  those  days. 
He  was  an  amiable  and  excellent  man,  though  he  failed 
much  in  the  government  and  proper  restraint  of  his 
family.  His  sons  were  very  wicked,  and  among  the 
people  there  was  much  proneness  to  idolatry.  The 
Lord  had  sent  a  warning,  that  he  would  "  do  a  thing  in 
Israel  at  which  both  the  ears  of  every  one  that  heard 
it  should  tingle." 

"  •  Soon  the  Philistines,  with  a  powerful  array,  invaded 
the  country.  Our  people  went  out  to  resist  them,  and 
pitched  their  camp  beside  Eben-ezer.  Li  the  first  day's 
battle  our  army  was  worsted.  About  four  thousand 
men  were  slain.  But  it  was  not  a  rout,  or  a  defeat,  for 
they  maintained  their  ground  through  the  day,  and 
returned  to  the  camp  in  tolerable  order.  That  evening, 
the  elders  of  Israel  held  a  council,  and  concluded  that, 
if  they  should  send  and  fetch  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
of  the  Lord  out  of  Shiloh,  and  take  it  with  them  the 
next  day  into  the  battle,  then  the  Lord  would  give 
them  the  victory.  "  It  was  a  foolish  and  vain  confidence 
they  had  in  the  ark,  for  the  Lord  was  angry  with  them 
for  their  sins. 

" '  When  the  ark  came  into  the  camp,  all  Israel  shouted 
with  a  great  shout,  so  that  the  earth  rang  again.  When 
the  Philistines  heard  the  shout,  they  were  afraid. 
They  had  heard  traditions  of  the  mighty  works  of  our 
God  in  Egypt,  at  the  Red  Sea,  and  in  the  wilderness, 
and  they  thought  that  this  dreadfid  God  was  now 
come  into  our  camp.  So  the  leaders  went  among  the 
soldiers,  and   urged   them  to   figlit   in  tlie  next  day's 


164  ZERUIAH  AND  SAMUEL. 

battle  with  desperate  bravery,  lest  they  should  be  over- 
come by  the  God  of  Israel. 

" '  The  taking  of  the  ark  from  Shiloh  to  the  army 
made  an  awful  impression  in  that  city.  Many  of  the 
people  wept  at  its  departure.  Such  a  thing  had  never, 
since  it  was  stationed  there,  been  done  before.  My 
venerable  instructor,  the  aged  Eli,  looked  as  if  his  heart 
would  burst  with  grief;  but  he  was  silent,  and  made  no 
objection.  His  two  sons,  Hophni  and  Phinehas,  went 
along  to  carry  the  ark.  Anxiety  and  dread  were  de- 
picted in  every  countenance.  We  passed  a  sleepless 
night  in  Shiloh. 

"  '  Early  the  next  morning,  all  eyes  were  turned  to- 
wards the  camp  at  Eben-ezer.  Eli,  the  high  priest,  was 
now  ninety  and  eight  years  old.  His  eyes  were  dim 
that  he  could  not  see.  He  requested  me  to  lead  him, 
and  fix  his  seat  by  the  wayside,  at  a  little  distance 
from  the  gate,  that  he  might  catch  the  first  news  from 
the  army.  His  heart  trembled  for  the  ark  of  God. 
While  leading  him  along,  I  felt  the  quivering  of  his 
hand,  and  the  shuddering  of  his  whole  frame.  It 
seemed  ominous  and  awful. 

" '  The  doors  and  windows  that  looked  towards  Eben- 
ezer  were  now  crowded.  Indeed,  the  house  tops  and 
city  wall  were  thronged  with  eager  spectators,  while 
hour  after  hour  passed  by.  The  suspense  and  agitat- 
ing uncertainty  was  scarcely  supportable.  At  length  a 
single  messenger  was  discovered  coming  from  the  army 
at  the  utmost  speed.  On  his  nearer  approach,  he  was 
identified  as  one  of  the  princes  of  Benjamin,  a  man  of 
great  worth,  renowned  for  valor  and  patriotism.  Every 
bosom  throbbed  as  he  drew  nearer  and  nearer.     We 


ZERUIAH  AND  SAMUEL.  1C5 

could  see  that  his  clothes  were  rent,  and  he  had  eartli 
upon  his  head. 

"  '  "  All  is  lost !  "  he  proclaimed  in  a  loud  and  bitter 
cry,  and  shrieks,  plaints,  and  wailings  of  despair  spread 
through  the  city. 

"  '  "  What !  what  is  the  meaning  of  this  tumult  ? "  said 
Eli.  And  the  man  came  hastily  before  him,  and  said, 
"  I  am  he  that  came  out  of  the  army,  and  I  fled  to-day." 

"  '  Eli  raised  his  sightless  eyeballs  towards  the  mes- 
senger, and  lifted  his  hands. 

mil  What  is  there  done,  my  son  ?  "  ' 

"  '  In  all  my  life,'  said  Samuel,  '  I  have  heard  noth- 
ing from  the  lips  of  man  so  awfully  eloquent  as  the 
four  sentences  in  which  that  man  of  Benjamin  replied 
to  the  question  of  Eli. 

"  '  The  messenger  answered  and  said,  "  Israel  is  fled 
before  the  Philistines !  and  there  hath  been  a  great 
slaughter  among  the  people !  and  thy  two  sons  also, 
Hophni  and  Phinehas,  are  dead !  and  the  ark  of  God  is 
taken !  " 

" '  The  venerable  old  Eli  bore  up  under  it  all,  as  it 
came,  sentence  after  sentence,  heavier  and  heavier,  till 
the  messenger  reached  the  last  clause  —  "  the  ark  of  God 
is  taken  !  "  That  broke  his  heart.  He  fell  backward 
from  his  seat,  and  died. 

'*  f  A3  another  evidence  of  the  dejected  and  desolate 
state  of  the  mind  of  the  people  of  God  at  this  time,  1 
would  mention  that  the  wife  of  Phinehas,  who  died 
that  same  day,  a  pious  and  excellent  woman,  gave  to 
her  infant  son  the  name  Ichabod,  saying,  ''  The  glory 
is  departed  from  Israel,  for  the  ark  of  God  is  taken  !  " 

"  '  Now,  my  daughter,'  said  Samuel  to  Zcruiah,  '  ob- 


166  ZERUIAH  AND  SAMUEL. 

serve  the  providence  of  God  in  all  this.  We  thought 
the  glory  was  departed  from  Israel  when  the  ark  of 
God  was  taken.  The  Piiilistines  thought  so  too. 
They  took  the  ark  of  God  in  triumph,  and  brought  it 
to  Ashdod,  to  the  house  of  Dagon,  their  god.  They 
were  worshippers  of  idols,  and  many  of  them  were  so 
stupid  as  to  think  that  this  was  really  the  God  of  Israel 
they  had  taken  captive.  They  all  thought  that  Dagon 
had  triumphed  over  Jehovah. 

"  '  They  put  the  ark  before  Dagon  as  his  captive,  and 
they  had  public  rejoicings  through  all  the  land,  in 
honor  of  Dagon.  But  the  next  morning,  when  they 
came  early  to  Dagon's  temple,  to  renew  their  honors, 
"behold,  Dagon  was  fallen  upon  his  face  to  the  earth 
before  the  ark  of  the  Lord."  Astonished,  ashamed, 
mortified,  the  priests  of  Dagon  took  him  up  and  set 
him  in  his  place  again.  They  were  not  a  little  grieved 
at  this  dishonor  of  Dagon ;  but  they  tried  to  explain  it 
away,  alleging  that  it  was  only  an  accident. 

" '  But,  the  next  morning,  when  they  came  early  to 
the  temple  again,  "  behold,  Dagon  was  fallen  upon  his 
face  to  the  ground  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  the 
head  of  Dagon,  and  both  the  palms  of  his  hands,  were 
cut  off  upon  the  threshold ;  only  the  stump  of  Dagon 
was  left  to  him!  " 

" '  The  tidings  of  these  marvellous  and  memorable 
events  spread  on  the  wings  of  the  wind  through  all 
the  country  of  the  Philistines,  to  the  confusion  of  their 
idols  and  the  honor  of  the  God  of  Israel.' 

"  Here  the  excitement  of  the  old  prophet  became  re- 
markable. His  eyes  sparkled  ;  his  countenance  glowed  ; 
his  whole  frame  appeared  animated  with  a  divine  en^ 


ZERUIAH  AND  SAMUEL.  167 


'-■'■■«WI$ 


thusiasm.  '  Yes,'  he  continued.  '  the  tidings  of  these 
marvellous  events  came  and  spread  through  all  the 
land  of  Israel,  to  the  joy  of  the  friends  of  God,  and  the 
confirming  of  all  who  delighted  in  his  worship.  Tho 
Philistines  were  stubborn  and  unyielding  for  a  long 
time  ;  but  the  hand  of  God  w;as  heavier  and  heavier 
upon  them.  They  carried  the  ark  from  Ashdod  to 
Gath,  and  from  Gath  to  Ekron  ;  but  the  scourge  of  God 
was  upon  them,  —  pestilence  and  the  plague  thinned 
their  population.  They  cried  to  Dagon  for  help  ;  they 
prayed  to  all  their  idols ;  but  it  was  vain.  At  the  end 
of  seven  months,  scourged  and  humbled  under  the 
mighty  hand  of  God,  they  resolved,  by  a  unanimous 
vote  of  their  rulers,  with  their  priests  and  diviners,  to 
send  back  the  ark  of  the  God  of  Israel.  The  five  lords 
of  the  Philistines  brought  it,  accompanied  with  rich 
presents,  and  delivered  it  into  the  hands  of  the  men  of 
Bethshemesh. 

"  '  No  event,'  said  vSamuel,  '  since  the  days  of  Joshua, 
has  had  so  mighty  an  influence  in  weaning  Israel  from 
idols,  and  confirming  them  in  tlie  true  religion.  And 
among  the  Philistines  themselves,  I  have  the  surest 
information,  that  many  have  been  led  to  know  that 
their  idols  are  vain,  and  that  Jehovah  is  the  only  living 
and  true  God. 

••"  'Now,  my  daughter,'  said  Samuel  to  Zeruiah,  '  re- 
hearse these  things  to  your  father ;  he  will  remember 
well  the  events  of  which  I  have  spoken.  Tell  him 
,  the  providence  of  God  is  as  wise,  as  good,  and  as  per- 
fect now,  as  in  these  earlier  instances.  Tell  him  to  be 
strong  in  the  liord.  It  is  my  last  message  to  him,  for 
I  am  now  going  the  way  of  all  the  earth.     And  once 


168  ZERUIAH    AND    SAAIUEL. 

more,  tell  your  three  sons  from  me,  to  be  true  to  their 
God,  to  then-  country,  and  to  stand  as  pillars  around 
the  throne  of  David  while  they  live  upon  the  earth. 
Tell  them  I  have  prayed  for  them,  that  their  lives  may 
be  a  blessing,  and  that  their  names  may  be  honored 
in  the  church  of  God  iiW  the  end  of  time.  Jehovah 
bless  thee,  my  daughter  !  Adieu  !  I  feel  that  my  work 
is  done !  ' 

"  The  old  prophet  sunk  back  on  his  couch,  exhausted 
with  the  excitement  and  efforts  of  this  interview,  and 
soon  afterwards  his  spirit  took  its  flight. 

"  When  it  was  known  abroad  that  Samuel  was  dead, 
multitudes  of  Israel  came  together  and  lamented  him, 
and  buried  him  in  his  house  at  Ramah. 

"As  for  Zeruiah,  she  returned  to  her  father  in  the 
land  of  Moab.  Jesse  and  his  family  were  much 
strengthened  and  encouraged  by  the  views  of  God's 
wise,  wonderful,  and  perfect  providence  communi- 
cated to  them  from  Samuel.  They  remained  in  safety 
with  the  king  of  Moab,  until  the  news  came  of  Saul's 
death  on  Mount  Gilboa.  They  then  returned  to  the 
land  of  Judah.  And  when  the  princes  and  heads  of 
the  tribe  of  Judah  assembled  at  Hebron,  to  crown 
David  king  over  the  house  of  Judah  the  family  of  Jesse 
was  collected  there.  Zeruiah  there  met  again  her 
three  sons,  and  heard  with  a  mother's  delight  of  their 
deeds  of  valor  at  Keilah,  and  at  Ziklag,  and  in  other 
famous  fields.  The  anointing  of  David  was  performed 
by  the  prophet  Gad.  It  was  a  joyful  day  in  Judah, 
and  from  this  period,  the  declining  days  of  Jesse  were 
days  of  calmness,  couiioit,  and  peace." 


David's  kingdom.  IC9 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

DAVID'S     KINGDOM. 

A  DEMON  now  arose  in  the  assembly  whose  com- 
plexion was  of  a  yellowish  cast,  and  he  was  remarkably 
broad  between  the  eyes.  I  nnderstood  he  had  been 
for  three  or  four  thousand  years  in  the  heart  of  the 
Chinese  empire,  and  from  his  rapt  attention  it  appeared 
that  every  part  of  Belial's  narrative  was  entirely  new 
to  him. 

"  And  now  I  suppose,"  said  he,  addressing  Belial, 
"  Saul  and  his  sons  being  dead,  David  became  king 
over  all  Israel  without  opposition." 

"  Not  exactly,"  said  Belial :  "  he  went  to  Hebron,  and 
was  proclaimed  king  over  the  tribe  of  Judah  ;  but  Judah 
was  only  one  tribe  out  of  the  twelve.  One  son  of  Saul, 
named  Ishbosheth,  was  still  living.  Abner,  the  com- 
mander-in-chief of  the  army,  was  the  most  noted  man, 
now  remaining,  who  was  strongly  in  the  interest  of  the 
house  of  Saul.  The  officers  of  the  government  generally, 
had  the  same  bias,  for  the  popularity  of  Jonathan  had 
been  very  great  till  the  day  of  his  death  ;  and  even  Saul, 
though  the  people  thought  he  had  done  many  very 
foolish  and  very  unjustifiable  deeds,  yet  he  had  been 
patriotic  and  brave,  and  possessed  in  their  estimation 
many  redeeming  qualities,  so  that  on  the  whole  he  stood 

15 


170  David's  kingdom. 

,  well  with  the  mass  of  the  people.  Abner  had  a  deep 
dislike  to  David.  He  had  been  repeatedly  out-generalled 
by  David  and  his  men;  and  particularly  when  David 
and  Abishai  had  taken  away  Saul's  spear  and  cruse  of 
water  from  his  bolster,  while  Abner  was  asleep.  David, 
from  the  top  of  a  neighboring  hill,  addressed  Abner,  in 
the  hearing  of  both  armies,  in  a  tone  of  strong  and 
biting  irony :  '  Abner,  art  thou  not  a  valiant  man  ? 
Who  is  like  to  thee  in  Israel  ?  As  the  Lord  liveth,  ye 
are  worthy  to  die,  because  ye  have  not  kept  your  master, 
■'*  the  Lord's  anointed.'  This  was  a  severe  reflection  on 
his  honor,  such  as  a  soldier  was  not  likely  to  forget. 

"  I  now,"  said  Belial,  "  suggested  to  Abner  that  he 
had  influence  sufficient  to  make  Ishbosheth  king  over 
all  the  tribes,  except  Judah  ;  that  this  would  hugely 
disappoint  and  vex  David  ;  and  that  as  Ishbosheth  Avas 
a  weak  and  inefficient  man,  Abner  himself  would  have 
the  control  and  administration  of  the  govermnent 
almost  exclusively  in  his  own  hands.  This  exactly 
chimed  with  the  views  and  feelings  of  Abner.  So  he 
took  Ishbosheth  and  crowned  him,  and  proclaimed  him 
king  over  the  eleven  tribes  that  had  not  followed 
David. 

"  Abner  was  a  great  warrior,  and  had  many  veteran 
and  valiant  troops  under  his  command ;  yet  knowing 
the  men  that  were  around  David,  he  occupied  two 
Avhole  years  making  himself  strong  ;  training  and  put- 
ting his  army  in  the  best  condition,  before  he  made  any 
public  move,  to  subdue  the  house  of  Judah. 

"  After  this  long  and  careful  preparation,  Abner  left 
Mahanaim,  with  the  choice  of  his  forces,  and  crossed 
Jordan,  and  came  to  Gibeon,  within  a  few  miles  of  He- 


David's  kingdom.  171 

bron.  And  now,"  said  Belial,  glancing  his  eye  towards 
the  Philistine  demon,  "  you  will  hear  again  of  the  sons 
of  Zeruiah  —  Joab,  and  Abishai,  and  Asahel.  On  learn- 
ing that  Abner  had  invaded  the  dominions  of  David, 
they  went  out  and  met  him  at  the  pool  of  Gibeon.  .  Both 
parties  were  reluctant  to  commence  hostilities,  for  they 
were  worshippers  of  the  same  God,  and  all  belonged 
to  the  commonwealth  of  Israel ;  so  the  two  companies 
sat  down  on  opposite  sides  of  the  pool  of  Gibeon.  At 
length,  Abner,  whose  forces  were  by  far  the  most  nu- 
merous, said  to  Joab,  '  Let  the  young  men  now  arise 
and  play  before  us.'  And  Joab  said,  '  Let  them  arise.' 
Twelve  on  each  side  first  met,  and  commenced  the 
affray ;  but  presently  both  armies  became  excited,  and 
rushed  into  the  engagement, '  and  there  was  a  very  sore 
battle,  and  Abner  was  beaten,  and  the  men  of  Israel,  be- 
fore the  servants  of  David.'  In  the  flight,  Abner  was 
closely  pursued  by  Asahel,  the  younger  brother  of  Joab, 
Avho  was  exceedingly  swift  of  foot.  Abner,  vexed  at  his 
persevering  in  the  pursuit,  turned  and  ran  him  through 
with  his  spear,  that  he  died.  When  Abner  was  wearied 
in  his  flight,  he  called  to  Joab,  and  said, '  Shall  the  sword 
devour  forever  ?  Knowest  thou  not  that  it  will  be  bit- 
terness in  the  latter  end  ?  How  long  is  it,  then,  ere  thou 
bid  the  people  to  return  from  following  their  brethren  ? ' 
Joab  replied,  '  Surely,  if  you  had  not  given  the  challenge 
and  dared  ns  to  the  fight,  we  had  all  in  the  morning 
marched  home  again  without  bloodshed.'  So  Joab  blew 
a  trumpet,  sounding  a  retreat,  and  all  the  people  stood 
still.  Whether  Joab  at  this  time  knew  of  the  death  of 
Asahel,  his  brother,  I  cannot  say.  But  it  afterwards 
cost  Abner  his  life.  Joab  slew  him  to  avenge  the  death  of 


172  David's  kingdom. 

his  brother  Asahel.  This  battle  was  fought  on  the  plain 
of  Gibeon,  where  tliere  were  no  fortifications,  and  the 
parties  met  in  a  fair  field  ;  and  yet  when  they  had  gath- 
ered all  the  people  together,  there  lacked  of  David's  ser- 
vants nineteen  men  and  Asahel,  that  is,  twenty  in  all. 
But  they  had  smitten  of  Abner's  men,  so  that  three 
hundred  and  sixty  died,  that  is,  Abner's  loss  over  Joab's 
•was  eighteen  to  one.  I  mention  this,"  said  Belial,  ''  as 
another  instance  of  the  astonishing  discipline  and  valor 
of  David's  troops  while  Joab  was  their  commander." 

Lucifer  here  turned  to  the  speaker  :  "  I  would  ask  a 
question." 

"  Will  your  majesty  be  pleased  to  speak  ? "  said  Belial. 

"  Have  not  many  commentators,"  said  Lucifer,"  given 
what  the  church  considers  a  very  favorable  view  of 
Abner's  character  ?  " 

"  If  they  have,"  answered  Belial,  "  they  have  shown 
that  their  acquaintance  with  the  subject  was  very  im- 
perfect. The  following  facts  establish  the  true  char- 
acter of  Abner :  — 

"  First.  He  went  all  lengths  with  Saul,  in  his  vio- 
lent and  long-continued  persecutions  of  David.  Saul, 
in  his  jealousy  and  madness,  neglected  his  public  duties 
much,  that  he  might  accomplish  the  ruin  of  David. 
Jonathan  remonstrated,  and  besought  his  father  in  Da- 
vid's behalf:  many  others,  among  the  pious  in  Israel, 
pronounced  Saul's  conduct  '  shameful  and  criminal  in 
a  high  degree.'  But  Abner  went  into  all  of  Saul's 
measures  with  perfect  cordiality ;  cooperated  and  as- 
sisted him  in  all  his  efforts  for  David's  destruction, 

"■  Second.  On  the  death  of  Saul,  Abner,  though  he 
knew  well  that  Jehovah  had  promised  the  kingdom  to 


David's  kingdom.  173 

David,  and  though  he  acknowledged  Jehovah,  as  the 
true  God,  yet  he  set  up  Ishbosheth  as  king,  and  for  a 
number  of  yeai'S  exerted  all  his  energies  to  sustain  this 
rival  kingdom.  That  he  knew  he  was  acting  against  the 
revealed  will  of  Jehovah,  is  plain  from  his  own  words, 
after  Ishbosheth  had  reproved  him  for  his  licentiousness. 
'  Am  I  a  dog's  head,  which  against  Judah  do  show  kind- 
ness this  day  to  the  house  of  thy  father  ?  God  do  so  to 
Abner,  and  more  also,  except  as  the  Lord  hath  sworn  to 
David,  even  so  I  do  to  him,  to  translate  the  kingdom 
from  the  house  of  Saul,  and.  to  set  up  the  throne  of  Da- 
vid, over  all  Israel  and  Judah,  from  Dan  even  to  Beer- 
sheba.'  (2  Sam.  iii.  6 — 10.)  Abner,  for  seven  years,  had 
'  made  himself  strong  for  the  kingdom  of  Ishbosheth. 
Yet  here  he  acknowledges  that  he  was  fighting  against 
the  revealed  and  known  will  of  God.  There  is,  per- 
haps, not  another  such  instance  on  record,  of  bold  and 
daring  opposition  to  Jehovah's  acknowledged  authority. 

"  Third.  Abner  renounced  Ishbosheth  and  his  king- 
dom, not  because  he  repented  of  his  conduct  as  wrong, 
but  because  that  prince  had  rebuked  him  for  his  inti- 
macies with  an  unchaste  woman.  Burning  with  resent- 
ment, he  went  to  David,  and  proposed  a  league  with 
him  ;  but  before  his  plans  were  carried  out,  he  was  slain 
by  Joab,  to  avenge  the  death  of  his  brother  Asahel." 

"  It  has  been  said  by  some,"  remarked  Lucifer,  "  that 
Joab  was  jealous  of  Abner's  great  military  reputation." 

"  What  ?  "  said  Belial ;  "jealous  of  the  military  repu- 
tation of  one  so  lately  defeated  in  battle  by  himself!  " 

"  Go  on,"  said  Lucifer :  "  I  will  not  at  present  further 
interrupt  your  narrative." 

"  After  the  death  of  Abner,"  said  Belial,  "  David 
15* 


174  David's  kingdom, 

was  chosen  king  over  all  the  house  of  Israel.  And 
his  kingdom  gradually  advanced  in  prosperity  and  in 
power. 

"  Soon  after  David  was  proclaimed  king  over  all  the 
tribes,  I  roused  the  Philistines  against  him.  I  had  often 
brought  the  house  of  Israel  low,  by  exciting  against 
them  that  hostile  nation.  The  lords  of  the  Philistines 
were  particularly  vindictive  against  David.  The  fame 
he  had  acquired  by  Goliath's  overthrow  was  still  to 
them  a  source  of  grief  and  mortification.  But  though 
they  now  invaded  the  country  once  and  again,  they  were 
repulsed  with  great  loss,  and  the  kingdom  of  David 
continued  to  grow  in  strength. 

"  He  now  determined  to  exert  the  influence  he  pos- 
sessed in  order  to  give  an  impulse  to  the  cause  of 
religion  among  his  people.  Indeed,  I  may  specify  this 
as  one  of  the  great  characteristics  of  David,  that  in  the 
worship  of  Jehovah  he  was  firm  and  uncompromising. 
Temptations  to  go  after  idols,  in  whole  or  in  part,  so 
often  successful  with  others,  were  entirely  lost  on  him. 
In  the  worship  of  the  God  of  Israel,  he  was  steadfast 
and  immovable.  In  this  respect  especially,  he  was 
long  held  up  as  a  pattern  to  the  kings  of  Israel  and 
Judah.  The  '  ark  of  the  covenant  of  God,'  which 
Moses  erected  at  Mount  Sinai,  was  now  at  Kirjath-jea- 
rim.  It  had  remained  there  since  the  day  it  was 
brought  back  from  the  country  of  the  Philistines.  Da- 
vid resolved  to  bring  it  up  to  Jerusalem,  the  capital  of 
his  kingdom.  His  design  was  to  honor  the  name  of 
his  God,  to  remind  all  the  people  of  the  great  covenant 
at  Mount  Sinai,  and  to  direct  the  public  mind  more 
generally  to  the  worship  of  Jehovah. 


David's  kingdom.  175 

"  I  dreaded  this  movement,"  said  Belial. 

"  Well  you  might  dread  it !  "  exclaimed  Lucifer,  ab- 
ruptly, in  a  voice  that  startled  the  assembly.  "  When 
public  aitc7ition  is  strongly  directed  to  the  claims  of 
God,  and  the  duties  of  religion,  then  let  devils  trem- 
ble." 

"  I  know  it,"  answered  Belial :  ''  long  experience  has 
convinced  me  that  we  should  oppose  to  the  utmost  all 
such  measures  as  are  calculated  to  call  the  attention  of 
men  to  the  subject  of  religion." 

"  For  that  reason,"  said  Lucifer,  ''  those  great  annual 
feasts,  appointed  by  Moses,  were  so  disastrous  to  our 
cause.  Those  feasts  were,  in  fact,  great  religious  meet- 
ings, of  seven  days'  continuance.  Three  of  them,  ap- 
pointed by  law,  came  regularly  every  year.  I  have 
often  thought,  that  had  it  not  been  for  the  mighty  im- 
pulse given  to  the  interests  of  religion  in  these  great 
assemblies,  I  should  have  succeeded  in  my  attempts  to 
extinguish  the  light  of  revelation  in  Israel." 

"  You  remember  the  great  celebration  of  the  feast  of 
the  passover,  in  the  days  of  Hezekiah,"  said  Belial. 

"Yes,  indeed,"  answered  Lucifer;  "  they  continued 
their  public  solemnities  for  fourteen  days.  The  pass- 
over  in  the  time  of  Josiah  also,  and  the  feast  of  taber- 
nacles in  the  time  of  Ezra,  produced  astonishing  re- 
sults. Thus  the  public  mind  was  waked  up  to  attend 
to  the  things  of  God.  The  policy  of  hell  is  to  induce 
men  to  'forgot  God,'  to  ^neglect  the  great  salvation.' 
Wc  should  guard  with  all  possible  vigilance  against 
every  thing  that  is  calculated  to  direct  the  attention  of 
men  to  the  law  and  the  gospel  of  God." 

"  For  that  reason,"  said  Belial,  "  I  much  regretted 


176  David's  kingdom, 

this  undertaking  of  David,  to  bring  up  the  ark  of  God 
from  an  obscure  part  of  the  country,  and  give  it  a  sta- 
tion in  the  city  of  David,  at  Jerusalem.  But  he  was 
intent  on  the  accomphslunent  of  his  design.  He  '  gath- 
ered together  all  the  chosen  men  of  Israel,'  and  marched 
to  Kirjath-jearim.  The  prophets,  and  the  heads  of  the 
tribes  throughout  all  Israel,  identified  themselves  with 
this  enterprise.  As  the  ark  was  moving  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Jerusalem,  the  king  and  the  princes,  the  priests 
and  the  prophets,  in  long  procession  led  the  way. 
'  And  all  the  house  of  Israel  played  before  the  Lord  on 
hai-ps,  and  on  psalteries,  and  on  timbrels,  and  on  cor- 
nets, and  on  cymbals.'  Thus  '  David  and  all  the  house 
of  Israel  brought  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord  with  shouting, 
and  with  the  sound  of  the  trumpet.' 

"  The  prophets  availed  themselves  of  this  occasion 
to  address  the  people  on  the  subject  of  their  peculiar 
relation  to  Jehovah.  They  spoke  of  the  call  of  Abra- 
ham to  be  the  friend  of  God.  They  expatiated  on  the 
divine  mission  of  Moses,  and  rehearsed  the  history  of 
the  release  of  their  fathers  from  the  house  of  bondage 
in  Egypt.  They  spread  before  the  congregation  the 
solemnities  of  that  covenant  ratified  in  the  wilderness, 
in  which  Jehovah  promised  to  be  their  God,  and  they 
engaged  to  be  his  people  ;  and  told  of  the  works  of  the 
Lord  when  he  brought  them  over  Jordan,  and  gave 
them  the  land  of  Canaan  for  an  inheritance. 

"  These  public  services,  when  the  ark  was  brought 
to  Jerusalem,  made  a  deep  and  lasting  impression  on  the 
great  multitude  assembled  there.  Indeed,  the  impres- 
sion spread  throughout  the  entire  kingdom,  for  all  the 
tribes  were  represented  in  that  assembly.     The  book 


David's  kingdom.  177 

of  the  law  was  read,  with  increased  attention,  from  Dan 
even  to  Beerslieba,  and  great  numbers  were  brought  to 
reahze  the  relation  in  which  they  stood,  as  the  peculiar 
people  of  God. 

"  I  have  often  noticed,"  said  Belial,  "  that  those 
worshippers  of  Jehovah,  who  frequently  call  to  mind 
the  circumstances  and  solemnities  of  their  first  cove- 
nant with  him,  are  generally  the  most  active  and  stead- 
fast in  his  service." 

"  True,"  answered  Lucifer,  "but  I  must  repeat  that 
other  remark  —  that  all  the  powers  of  darkness  should 
particularly  guard  against  those  things  which  awaken 
general  attention  to  the  claims  of  religion.  I  have 
never  known  religion  to  prevail  extensively  among  any 
people,  where  it  was  not,  at  some  period  in  the  year, 
connected  with  great  solemn  assemblies,  of  several  days' 
continuance.  Hence  I  abhorred  those  great  religious 
meetings,  ordained  by  the  law  of  Moses  —  the  passover, 
(2  Chron.  xxx.  1 — 27;  xxxv.  1 — 19;)  the  feast  of  tab- 
ernacles, (Nell.  viii.  1 — 18;)  and  the  feast  of  pentecost, 
(Acts  ii.  1 — 11-).  There  were  periods  when  these  great 
solemnities  sent  terror  and  trembling  to  the  very  heart 
of  the  empire  of  hell.  Jeroboam,  the  son  of  Nebat, 
was  the  first  that  took  decisive  measures  against  such 
meetings,  ( 1  Kings  xii.  26 — 30 ;  )  and  I  am  anxious 
to  have  many  others  copy  his  example.  I  dread  to 
have  religion  exalted  and  made  prominent. 

"  Guard  against  that,  ye  powers  of  hell ! "  he  ex- 
claimed ;  "exalt  earthly  objects  in  the  view  of  men  — 
politics,  commerce,  pleasure ;  but  suffer  not  religion  to 
become  the  great  object  of  attention  and  concern." 


178  DAVm's    TRANSGRESSION. 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

DAVID'S    TRANSGRESSION. 

Belial  now  resumed  his  narrative.  "  David,"  said 
he,  "  continued  to  prosper  on  every  hand.  His  armies 
were  victorious  in  every  field,  and  surrounding  nations 
were  subdued.  Moab  and  Ammon,  Edom  and  Syria, 
with  many  other  nations,  became  tributary.  His  riches 
and  grandeur  had  now  become  great.  He  was  riding 
on  the  high  tide  of  unexampled  prosperity. 

"  The  kindness  which,  about  this  period,  he  showed 
to  Mephibosheth,  for  his  father  Jonathan's  sake,  has 
been  mentioned  in  another  connection ;  I  will  not 
enlarge  upon  it  at  this  time.  A  number  of  years  had 
now  gone  by,  without  presenting  any  favorable  oppor- 
tunity for  the  powers  of  darkness  to  accomplish  much 
against  David.  He  appeared  to  be  growing  in  piety, 
and  in  favor  with  God  and  man.  But  now  his  riches, 
and  honors,  and  magnificence  had  become  so  abundant, 
and  the  contrast  so  great  between  his  former  condition, 
when  he  kept  his  father's  sheep,  or  when  hiding  in 
dens  and  caves  from  the  wrath  of  Saul,  and  his  present 
life  of  ease  and  luxury,  that  I  resolved  to  try  him  with 
the  snares  that  beset  the  great.  And  this  may  be 
called  number  third  of  the  principal  schemes  I  pro- 
jected for  his  ruin. 


David's  transgression.  179 

'•'  I  would  premise,  however,  that  extreme  conditions 
in  life  have  their  peculiar  trials.  Extreme  poverty  has 
its  trials,  and  they  are  often  great.  In  the  well-known 
case  of  Job,  one  of  the  most  wealthy,  prosperous,  and 
pious  men  in  the  East,  Satan,  who  is  an  excellent  judge 
of  human  nature,  was  confident  that  by  taking  away 
his  sheep  and  oxen,  and  camels  and  servants,  and  redu- 
cing him  to  the  depths  of  poverty,  he  would  dishonor 
his  profession,  and  even  curse  Jehovah  to  his  face. 
Job,  it  is  true,  passed  through  the  trial  like  gold  through 
the  furnace." 

"Yes,"  exclaimed  Lucifer,  from  the  seat  where  he 
was  sitting,  in  a  voice  that  thundered  through  the 
whole  cavern,  "but  you  must  remember  that  his  wife 
was  driven  into  presumption  and  blasphemy." 

"True,"  answered  Belial,  "most  true;  and  I  was 
going  to  remark,  that  though  Job  passed  through  these 
trials  surprisingly,  yet  the  man  who  can  grapple  with 
such  trials,  and  come  down  from  wealth  to  poverty, 
without  violating  the  rights  of  his  neighbor,  or  dishon- 
oring the  religion  of  his  God,  is  a  rare  man  in  the 
earth. 

"  Prosperity  and  wealth,  also,  have  their  peculiar 
temptations  ;  and  they  are  so  insnaring  and  powerful, 
that  Solomon  lays  it  down  as  a  maxim,  that  'the  pros- 
perity of  fools,  that  is,  sinners,  shall  destroy  them.' 
There  is  no  artillery,  in  all  the  magazines  of  perdition, 
more  formidable  and  resistless  than  that  which  can  be 
brought  to  bear  upon  the  man  who  is  '■  clothed  in  pur- 
ple and  fine  linen,  and  fares  sumptuously  every  day.' 
With  this  artillery  of  hell,  I  now  resolved  to  rake  the 
palace  of  David. 


180  David's  transgressions. 

"  I  sent  to  the  land  of  Moab  for  Baal-Peor,  superla- 
tively skilled  in  all  the  arts  of  licentiousness  and  wanton 
intrigue.  He  had  formerly  brought  the  house  of  Israel 
to  the  brink  of  destruction,  on  the  plains  of  Moab,  even 
while  their  venerated  Moses  was  living  among  them. 
I  had  him  concealed  in  David's  court.  My  expecta- 
tions were  high  ;  but  his  success  ran  ahead  of  my  live- 
liest anticipations.  He  had  not  been  in  the  court  of 
David  exceeding  a  week,  when  he  contrived  to  bring 
before  his  eyes,  in  an  unguarded  hour,  the  bewitching 
form  of  Bathsheba,  the  wife  of  Uriah,  the  Hittite. 
And  can  ye  believe  it,  O  ye  hosts  of  hell  ?  The  pious 
and  far-famed  king  of  God's  covenant  people,  the  sweet 
Psalmist  of  Israel,  fell  into  the  sin  of  adultery.  And 
to  hide  his  guilt,  he  plotted  and  accomplished  the  death 
of  the  valiant  Uriah,  who  was  bravely  fighting  the 
battles  of  his  country  under  the  banners  of  his  God. 
It  was  the  proudest  achievement,"  said  Belial,  "  I  had 
performed  since  our  expulsion  from  heaven.  I  felt  that 
I  had  almost  rivalled  the  success  of  our  matchless  chief 
in  the  garden  of  Eden.  Speedily  did  I  send  the 
tidings  abroad  through  heathen  lands ;  I  commanded 
to  '  tell  it  in  Gath,  and  to  publish  it  in  the  streets  of 
Askelon,'  to  the  confusion  of  those  who  had  been 
inclined  to  the  true  religion,  and  to  the  confirming  of 
all  who  were  steadfast  in  the  worship  of  idols.  I  sent 
the  story,  with  many  additions  and  embellishments, 
through  all  the  coasts  of  Moab,  Midian,  Edom,  Ammon, 
Syria,  and  distant  heathen  countries." 

''  Is  that  story,"  said  the  Chinese  demon,  interrupt- 
ing Belial  in  the  midst  of  his  enthusiasm,  —  "  Is  that 
story  recorded  in  the  Bible  ?  " 


David's  transgression.  181 

"Recorded  in  the  Bible  !  "  replied  Belial ;  "certainly 
it  is,  in  all  its  blackness,  and  in  all  its  details." 

"  I  think  strange  of  that,"  rejoined  the  Chinese  de- 
mon :  "  as  the  writers  of  the  Bible  wished  all  mankind 
to  embrace  the  religion  it  teaches,  I  should  have  thought 
policy  would  have  led  them  to  conceal,  rather  than 
publish  to  the  world  the  history  of  such  conduct ;  it 
being  calculated  to  disgrace  one  of  the  most  noted 
professors  of  their  favorite  religion." 

"The  Bible,"  answered  Belial,  "is  a  singular  book. 
Other  books  record  only  the  virtues  and  praiseworthy 
deeds  of  the  heroes  whose  history  they  contain.  Take, 
for  example,  the  life  of  Cyrus,  as  recorded  by  the  an- 
cients ;  or,  among  the  moderns,  the  history  of  the  life 
of  Columbus,  or  the  life  of  Washington,  and  it  will  be 
found  that  the  writers  represent  Cyrus,  Columbus,  and 
Washington,  as  almost  faultless  men.  They  had  no 
blemishes,  or  those  blemishes  are  passed  over  in  silence 
by  the  historian.  Not  so  the  Bible.  It  records  the 
faults  as  impartially  as  the  virtues  of  Noah,  Abraham, 
Samson,  David,  Peter,  and  others.  It  has  been  con- 
tended by  the  advocates  of  the  Bible,  that  this  fact  fur- 
nishes strong  internal  evidence  of  its  divine  inspiration. 
They  have  alleged  that  the  religion  unfolded  and  en- 
joined in  the  Bible,  being  founded  on  the  immovable 
Rock  of  Ages,  has  nothing  to  fear  from  the  full  disclosure 
even  of  the  faults  of  those  who  have  professed  it.  They 
have  alTirmed,  that  the  Bible,  being  dictated  by  the  in- 
spiration of  God,  could  not  only  aiford  to  tell  the  truth, 
the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  respecting 
those  who,  in  ages  past,  have  been  called  by  his  name  ; 
but  also  that  this  is  wisest  and  best  for  the  instruction 

16 


182  David's  transgression. 

and  warning  of  those  who  shall  live  in  ages  to  come. 
On  these  points,  however,"  said  Belial,  "  I  will  not 
enlarge  on  this  occasion,  though  I  have  often  com- 
bated the  arguments  to  the  satisfaction  of  multi- 
tudes." 

"  But  what  became  of  David  ? "  said  the  Chinese 
demon:  "was  he  not  blasted  with  the  red  wrath  of 
avenging  Heaven  ? " 

"  The  most  marvellous  part  of  David's  history," 
answered  Belial,  "  is  yet  to  come.  I  expected  to  see 
him  smitten  dead  by  some  sudden  judgment  of  God. 
But  how  it  was  I  cannot  tell  ;  there  is  something  in 
repentance  that  is  not  comprehended  among  the  prin- 
cipalities and  powers  of  hell.  David  poured  forth 
floods  of  penitential  tears,  and  called  for  help  on  One 
who  is  designated  by  the  prophets  as  '  mighty  to  save  ; ' 
and  through  that  marvellous  provision  made  in  the  plan 
of  man's  redemption  for  the  pardon  of  sin,  the  trans- 
gressions of  David,  by  which  I  had  hoped  to  accom- 
plish his  ruin,  were  forgiven. 

''  I  will  here  mention  more  particularly,"  said  Belial, 
"  the  manner  in  which  David  was  brought  to  repent- 
ance. The  prophet  Nathan  had  now  for  many  years 
been  acquainted  with  David,  and  was  often  at  the 
palace.  Nathan  was  remarkable  for  fortitude  and  firm- 
ness in  his  vocation.  When  he  considered  that  duty 
called  him,  he  was  very  plain  in  his  dealing  with  the 
old  and  the  young,  the  great  and  the  small.  His  influ- 
ence at  this  period  was  very  great  in  Israel,  and  his 
laijors  were  directed  with  tremendous  energy  against 
trie  cause  of  darkness.  There  was  no  man  in  the  king- 
dom, at    this  time,  whom  I  so  much    dreaded.     The 


David's  transgression.  183 

transgression  of  King  David  had,  by  some  means, 
reached  the  ears  of  Nathan. 

"  I  would  observe,  in  the  hearing  of  all  this  assem- 
bly," said  Belial,  "  that  I  have  often  had  most  gratify- 
ing success  in  tempting  the  ministers  of  religion,  who 
were  called  upon  to  officiate  in  high  places,  to  lay  aside 
the  simplicity  of  their  high  vocation.  I  have  repeat- 
edly been  able  to  manage,  so  that  sermons  preached 
before  assemblies  of  nobles,  and  before  kings  and 
queens,  should  abound  with  studied  adulation,  calcu- 
lated to  flatter  vanity  and  foster  pride,  rather  than  with 
such  messages  from  God  as  alarm  the  conscience  and 
penetrate  the  heart. 

"  A  minister  of  the  class  to  Avhich  I  allude,  had  he 
been  present  there,  would,  most  likely,  not  have  at- 
tempted to  rebuke  David  for  his  sin  ;  or,  had  he  made 
the  attempt,  it  Avould  have  been  somewhat  in  the  fol- 
lowing style :  — 

"  *  Most  illustrious  and  benign  sovereign,  in  the  plen- 
itude of  your  royal  indulgence  and  condescension, 
suffer  one  of  the  most  grateful  and  devoted  admirers 
of  your  majesty  delicately  and  respectfully  to  intimate, 
that  apprehensions  are  abroad,  that  events  have  trans- 
pired, within  the  royal  residence,  not  altogether  com- 
patible with  regal  decorum  and  strict  propriety.' 

"  Such  is  the  style  in  which  it  has  been  my  policy 
to  have  princes  and  kings  addressed,  if  rebuked  at  all 
for  their  crimes. 

"  I  found  that  Nathan  designed  to  call  upon  the  king." 

"  Did  you  not  try  to  prevent  the  interview  ?"  asked 
the  Chinese  demon, 

"  I  did,"  answered   Belial.     "  That   was   my   first 


184  David's  transgression. 

attempt ;  but  it  failed.  And  when  I  saw  that  he  would 
go  to  the  king,  I  made  every  exertion  to  prevail  on  him 
to  make  a  smooth  and  flattering  address." 

"  How  did  you  succeed  ?  "  inquired  he  of  China. 

"You  shall  judge,  when  I  have  repeated  his  dis- 
course," replied  Belial. 

"  The  hour  was  early  in  the  morning,  when  the 
prophet,  with  unusual  solemnity  and  concern  depicted 
in  his  countenance,  entered  the  palace  and  stood  before 
the  king. 

" '  Have  you  a  message,  or  a  petition  ? '  asked  the  king. 

"  '  I  have,'  answered  Nathan.  '  There  were  two  men 
in  one  city;  the  one  rich,  and  the  other  poor.  The 
rich  man  had  exceeding  many  flocks  and  herds,  but 
the  poor  man  had  nothing  save  one  little  ewe  lamb, 
which  he  had  brought  and  nourished  up ;  and  it  grew 
up  together  with  him  and  with  his  children ;  it  did  eat 
of  his  own  meat,  and  drank  of  his  own  cup,  and  lay 
in  his  bosom,  and  was  unto  him  as  a  daughter.  And 
there  came  a  traveller  unto  the  rich  man,  and  he  spared 
to  take  of  his  own  flock,  and  of  his  own  herd,  to  dress 
for  the  wayfaring  man  that  was  come  to  him  ;  but  took 
the  poor  man's  lamb,  and  dressed  it  for  the  man  that 
was  come  to  him.'     (2  Sam.  xii.  1 — 6.) 

'^  David's  anger  was  now  greatly  kindled  against  the 
man;  and  he  said  to  Nathan, — 

"  '  As  the  Lord  liveth,  the  man  that  hath  done  this 
thing  shall  surely  die.  And  he  shall  restore  the  lamb 
fourfold,  because  he  did  this  thing,  and  because  he 
had  no  pity.' 

"And  Nathan  said  to  David,  'Thou  art  the  man. 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  I  anointed   thee 


David's  transgression.  185 

king  over  Israel,  and  I  delivered  tliee  out  of  the  hand 
of  Saul ;  and  1  gave  thee  thy  master's  house,  and  I  gave 
thee  the  house  of  Israel  and  of  Judah  ;  and  if  that  had 
been  too  little,  I  would  moreover  have  given  unto  thee 
such  and  such  things.  Wherefore  hast  thou  despised 
the  commandment  of  the  Lord,  to  do  evil  in  his  sight  ? 
Thou  hast  killed  Uriah  the  Hittite  with  the  sword, 
and  hast  taken  his  wife  to  be  thy  wife,  and  hast  slain 
him  with  the  sword  of  the  children  of  Amnion.  Now, 
therefore,  the  sword  shall  never  depart  from  thy  house  ; 
because  thou  hast  despised  me,  and  hast  taken  the  wife 
of  Uriah  the  Hittite  to  be  thy  wife. 

"  '  Thus  saith'the  Lord,'  continued  Nathan  :  '  Behold, 
I  will  raise  up  evil  against  thee  out  of  thine  own  house, 
and  I  will  take  thy  wives  before  thine  eyes,  and  give 
them  unto  thy  neighbor,  in  the  sight  of  this  sun.  For 
thou  didst  it  secretly ;  but  I  will  do  this  thing  before 
all  Israel,  and  before  the  sun.'     (2  Sam.  xii.  1 — 12.) 

"  David  was  aroused  by  this  address  of  the  prophet. 
His  conduct  now  appeared  in  a  new  light.  He  smote 
upon  his  breast,  and  wept  bitterly :  then  he  cried  out, 
'  I  have  siimed  against  the  Lord.' 

"  '  Thou  shalt  not  die,'  said  Nathan.  '  The  Lord,  in 
view  of  thy  repentance,  hath  pardoned  thy  sin.  Nev- 
ertheless, by  this  deed  thou  hast  given  great  occasion 
to  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  to  blaspheme.' 

"  Although  David."  said  Belial,  "  was  assured  by 
Nathan  of  forgiveness  from  God,  yet  it  seemed  as  if  he 
never  could  forgive  himself  Through  all  the  remain- 
der of  his  life,  he  had  an  aching  and  troubled  heart, 
whenever  he  thought  of  the  fate  of  the  valiant  Uriah. 

"  Not  long  after  this  period,"  continued  he,  "  I  suc- 

16* 


186 


DAVID  S    TRANSGRESSION. 


ceeded  in  alienating  from  David  his  far-famed  counsel- 
lor, Ahithophel.  The  arts  I  employed  for  this  purpose 
need  not  be  particularly  detailed  here  ;  but  the  rupture 
was  irreparable.  This  I  regarded  as  a  great  point 
gained.  The  talents  of  Ahithophel  were  tremendous, 
and  his  long  intimacy  with  the  king  had  furnished  him 
with  the  means  of  becoming  a  most  formidable  foe. 

"  When  Ahithophel  left  the  court,  he  retired  to  his 
private  residence  at  the  city  of  Giloh.  He  was  a  man 
of  too  much  judgment  and  prudence  to  utter  noisy 
threats ;  but  his  mighty  spirit  brooded  in  awful  silence 
over  his  imagined  wrongs,  and  meditated  schemes  of 
retaliation  and  revenge. 

"  The  troubles  foretold  by  the  prophet  Nathan  that 
should  arise  in  David's  family,  now  began  to  make 
their  appearance.  Amnon,  one  of  the  king's  sons,  con- 
ceived a  strange  and  unnatural  attachment  for  Tamar, 
the  sister  of  Absalom.  Amnon  by  violence  ravished 
Tamar.  Absalom  cherished  the  hidden  vengeance  that 
was  in  his  heart,  till  occasion  offered,  and  then  slew 
Amnon  by  the  hand  of  his  servants." 


ABSALOM.  187 


CHAPTER   XY. 

ABSALOM. 

"  A  TRANSACTION  is  recorded  in  the  fourteenth  chap- 
ter of  the  Second  Book  of  Samuel,  that  strongly  illus- 
trates the  intellectual  eminence  of  Joab,  in  the  age  in 
which  he  lived,  and  how  extensively  the  sway  of  his 
powerful  mind  was  felt  and  acknowledged  at  the 
throne,  and  throughout  the  kingdom  of  David.  In- 
deed, I  might  have  mentioned  examples  of  this  much 
earlier.  One  instance  is  recorded  in  the  history  of 
Abner.  (2  Sam.  ii.  18 — 22.)  Abner,  in  his  flight  from 
the  battle  at  Gibeon,  was  reluctant  to  smite  Asahel, 
because  he  wished  to  be  able  to  '  hold  up  his  face,'  in 
the  presence  of  Joab.  Abner  was  a  general  of  more 
than  forty  years'  standing.  Joab  was  now  but  a  youth  ; 
yet  such  already  was  his  force  of  character,  and  such 
the  power  of  his  presence,  that  Abner  was  controlled 
by  it  even  when  flying  for  his  life.  Another  example 
follows :  — 

"  Absalom,  after  he  had  slain  his  brother  Amnon,  had 
fled  to  Talmai,  king  of  Geshur,  his  grandfather  on  his 
mother's  side,  and  remained  there  in  banishment  for 
three  years.  The  slaying  of  Amnon  was,  in  the  eye 
of  the  law,  a  flagrant  crime  ;  but  yet  the  provocation 
and  the  injury  he  had  sustaiTied  from  Amnon  were 


188  '  ABSALOM. 

very  great.  And  many  thought  that  Absalom's  part 
in  the  matter  was  somewhat  excusable  on  account  of 
the  magnitude  of  msult  and  wrong  done  by  Amnon. 

'•  After  three  years,  David  became  restless  and  anx- 
ious about  Absalom's  long  absence  ;  but  being  chief 
magistrate  of  the  nation,  and  bound  to  maintain  tlie 
laws,  he  saw  not  how  to  indulge  the  feelings  of  a  fa- 
ther. The  eagle  eye  of  Joab  penetrated  the  true  state 
of  David's  mind,  before  it  was  discovered  by  others. 

"  On  a  certain  day,  when  the  king  was  in  the  judg- 
ment seat,  busied  with  the  affairs  of  the  kingdom,  a 
middle-aged  woman,  in  mourning  apparel,  came  before 
him.  in  much  distress.  Her  dress  and  appearance  indi- 
cated that  she  dwelt  at  some  distance  in  the  country, 
and  that  her  condition  was  that  of  one  in  the  middle 
walks  of  life.  The  beamings  of  a  strong  intellect  ap- 
peared in  her  countenance,  mingled  with  expressions 
of  woe,  showing  that  she  was  one  that  had  long  been 
mourning  for  the  dead. 

"  She  threw  herself  down  upon  the  ground  before 
the  king,  and  cried  out  in  a  lamentable  voice,  — 

'' '  Help,  O  king  ! ' 

"  '  What  aileth  thee  ? '  asked  the  king,  moved  by  her 
distress. 

"  '  I  am  a  widow  woman,'  said  she  ;  '  my  husband  is 
dead.  Thy  handmaid  had  two  living  sons  ;  and  after 
the  death  of  their  father,  they  were  together  in  the 
field  alone.  They  quarrelled,  they  fought,  there  was 
none  to  part  them,  and  one  smote  the  other  that  he 
died.  And  now,  my  lord,  the  whole  family  and  neigh- 
borhood have  risen  up  against  me,  and  say,  Deliver  up 
him  that  smote  his  brother,  that  we  may  kill  him  for 


ABSALOM.  189 

the  life  of  his  brother  ;  and  thus,'  exclaimed  the  Avoman, 
bursting  into  a  flood  of  bitter  tears,  '  they  will  quench 
my  coal  that  is  left,  and  will  not  leave  to  my  husband 
name  or  remainder  upon  the  earth.' 

" '  I  will  attend  to  it,'  said  David :  '  go  home  to  your 
house  ;  I  will  give  charge  concerning  your  son.' 

"  '  If  there  should  be  any  thing  wrong  in  sparing 
him,'  said  the  woman,  '  let  the  iniquity  be  on  me  and 
on  my  father's  house,  and  the  king  and  his  throne  be 


guiltless.' 


"  •  Go  home,  go  home,'  said  David :  '  I  will  give  charge 
concerning  your  son ;  whosoever  saith  aught  unto 
thee,  bring  him  to  me,  and  he  shall  not  touch  thee  or 
thy  son  any  more.' 

"  But  the  woman  was  not  to  be  put  off  so  easily. 
Sire  was,"  said  Belial,  bowing  to  Lucifer,  "  one  of  those 
talking  country  women,  who  can  tell  over  the  same 
story  in  more  ways  than  one ;  and  when  you  think 
they  are  through,  and  are  about  to  start  home,  are  only 
collecting  breath  to  give  a  new  edition  of  their  com- 
plaint or  argument." 

"  I  have  seen  them,"  said  Lucifer,  "  I  have  seen 
them  often." 

"  Well,"  said  Belial,  "  the  woman  rose  up,  took  a 
step  or  two  towards  the  door,  then  turned  round  and 
addiessed  the  king  again. 

"  '  I  am  afraid  of  the  revengers  of  blood.  My  son 
cannot  go  to  the  city  of  refuge.  It  would  break  my 
heart  to  be  left  without  him.  Let  my  lord  the  king 
forbid  the  revengers  of  blood  to  destroy  any  more,  lest 
they  destroy  my  son.' 

"'As  the  Lord  liveth,'  said  David,  a  little  excited, 


190  ABSALOM. 

'  there  shall  not  one  hair  of  thy  son's  head  fall  to  the 
ground.     Will  not  that  satisfy  you  ? ' 

"  '  I  like  the  king's  words,'  said  the  woman,  '  very 
much  ;  but  your  actions  do  not  correspond  with  them. 
There  is  your  own  son,  Absalom,  the  heir  to  the  crown  ; 
he  is  in  banishment  for  killing  his  brother.  The  peo- 
ple wish  him  to  return,  but  you  do  not  call  him  back. 
Shah  the  avenger  never  cease  to  destroy  ?  My  lord 
knows  we  must  all  die,  parents  and  children,  and  are 
as  water  spilled  upon  the  ground,  that  cannot  be  gath- 
ered up  again.  Let  not  our  brief  lives  be  imbittered  by 
cherishing  the  spirit  of  vengeance.  You  should  imi- 
tate the  clemency  of  God,  by  whose  appointment  kings 
reign.  He  is  just;  he  is  righteous ;.  yet  he  pardons 
the  guilty.  He  deviseth  means  that  his  rebellious  and 
banished  children  may  be  restored  to  him.  You  should 
imitate  the  clemency  of  God.  Perhaps  I  have  gone 
too  far,  and  said  too  much  ;  but  when  my  lord  the 
king  spake  such  comfortable  words  for  my  son,  I 
thought  I  would  say  a  word  about  his  own.  Perhaps, 
in  showing  pity  to  my  poor,  unfortunate  son,  he  may 
see  the  propriety  of  showing  pity  to  his  own  poor,  ban- 
ished Absalom.' 

"  David  hung  down  his  head,  and  the  gushing  tears 
streamed  from  both  his  eyes ;  then  slowly  raising  him- 
self up,  and  wiping  away  the  tears,  he  said  kindly  to 
the  woman, — 

"  '  Hide  not  from  me,  I  pray  thee,  the  thing  that  I 
shall  ask  thee.' 

"  And  the  woman  said,  '  Let  my  lord  the  king  now 
speak.' 

"  And  the  king  said,  '  Is  not  the  hand  of  Joab  with 
thee  in  all  this  ? ' 


ABSALOM.  191 

"  'God  save  the  king!  '  said  the  woman :  '  I  see  it  is 
vain  to  attempt  to  deceive  the  king.  Why,  Joab  sent 
me  here,  and  he  pnt  all  of  these  words  in  my  mouth.' 

"  '  Go  and  call  Joab,'  said  David,  to  an  officer  who 
was  near.     When  Joab  came  in,  said  tlie  king, — 

<' '  Behold,  now  I  have  done  this  thing  at  your  request. 
Go  therefore,  bring  the  young  man  Absalom  again.' 

"  And  Joab  bowed  himself,  and  fell  to  the  ground  on 
his  face,  and  thanked  the  king  ;  and  Joab  said,  '  To-day 
thy  servant  knoweth  that  I  have  found  grace  in  thy  sight, 
my  lord,  O  king,  in  that  the  king  hath  fulfilled  the 
request  of  his  servant.'  So  Joab  arose,  and  went  to 
Geshur,  and  brought  Absalom  to  Jerusalem. 

"  I  have  mentioned  this  incident,"  said  Belial,  "  in 
further  illustration  of  the  character  of  Joab.  Though 
David's  kingdom  was  now  so  large,  comprehending 
five  or  six  millions  of  people,  and  though  his  capital 
was  now  surrounded  with  statesmen  and  officers  of 
great  distinction,  yet  when  he  found  himself  instructed 
and  overcome  by  the  argument  of  this  plain  country 
woman,  he  at  once  suspected  that  it  must  be  the  pow- 
erful intellect  of  Joab  that  was  bearing  upon  him. 

"  The  same  thing  appears  in  Absalom,  after  he  came 
to  Jerusalem.  David  would  not  see  his  face,  but  com- 
manded that  he  should  turn  to  his  own  house.  So 
Absalom  dwelt  two  full  years  in  Jerusalem,  and  saw 
not  the  king's  face.  Absalom  was  in  trouble,  and  sent 
for' Joab,  to  intercede  in  his  behalf  witli  the  king. 
There  was  no  man  in  all  Israel  in  whose  influence  he 
had  so  much  confidence.  Joab  at  first  was  somewhat 
backward.  Perhaps  he  had  seen  in  Absalom  some- 
thing   that    he   did   not    altogether    approve.     But    at 


192  ABSALOM. 

length  he  went  to  David,  and  spoke  in  his  behalf,  and 
David  consented,  and  received  Absalom  into  favor. 

"  The  personal  appearance  of  Absalom  was  remark- 
ably captivating  and  commanding.  The  writer  of  the 
Second  Book  of  Samuel  gives  this  testimony  :  '  In  all 
Israel  there  was  none  to  be  so  much  praised  for  his 
beauty  as  Absalom,  From  the  sole  of  his  foot,  even  to 
the  crown  of  his  head,  there  was  no  blemish  in  him.' 
He  was  also  bold,  enterprising,  and  eloquent.  He  pos- 
sessed, in  an  extraordinary  degree,  those  accoinplish- 
ments  which  qualify  a  man  for  gaining  popularity  with 
the  multitude.  I  may  further  add,  that  Absalom  was 
notorious  for  his  disregard  of  the  laws  of  God.  He 
was  the  son  of  a  heathen  princess.  And  long  experi- 
ence has  convinced  me,  that  the  influence  of  a  mother 
is  very  great  in  moulding  the  moral  character  of  her 
son.  A  pious  mother  educates  the  conscience,  as  well 
as  the  intellect,  of  her  son  ;  and  not  only  so,  she  treasures 
up  in  heaven  a  magazine  oi  prayers  in  his  behalf,  that 
seem  to  have  power  with  God.  Often  have  I  seen  the 
young  man  escape  the  dangers  of  the  rough  and  stormy 
deep ;  often,  in  the  great  and  growing  west,  have  I  seen 
him  rescued  from  the  yawning  and  devouring  snares  of 
vice,  where  others  became  easy  victims ;  often,  on  the 
perilous  Mississippi,  amidst  the  bursting  of  boilers,  the 
snagging  and  sinking  of  steamboats,  have  I  witnessed 
strange  deliverances,  for  which  I  could  see  no  adequate 
visible  cause  at  the  time  ;  but  when  I  traced  back  the 
history  of  that  young  man,  I  found  that  a  praying 
mother,  who  had  now,  perhaps,  been  in  the  cold  grave 
for  more  than  twenty  years,  had  in  her  lifetime 
crowded  the   files   of  heaven    with   petitions    in    his 


ABSALOM.  193 

behalf,  whose  influence,  it  seemed,  could  never  be 
exhausted.  The  stream  of  blessings  from  above  that 
comes  in  answer  to  such  prayers,  appears  to  be  lasting 
as  life  ;  and  I  am  not  certain  but  it  may  be  lasting  as 
the  ages  of  eternity." 

"  Belial,"  said  Lucifer,  stamping  on  the  pavement 
with  fury,  "Belial,  what  are  you  saying  ?  " 

"  I  thought,"  answered  Belial,  in  a  submissive  tone, 
"  that  it  was  important  all  your  majesty's  allies  should 
imderstand  this  painful  subject.  It  is  one  of  the  most 
dreaded  influences  with  which  the  powers  of  hell  have 
to  contend.  But  as  it  is  unacceptable  to  your  majesty, 
I  will  pursue  it  no  further. 

''  Absalom,"  continued  he,  resuming  his  narrative, 
"  had  not  this  influence  — his  mother  being  the  daughter 
of  the  idolatrous  king  of  Geshur  ;  and,  though  young, 
he  was  very  rash  and  reckless,  and  I  considered  him  a 
fit  instrument  for  any  desperate  enterprise. 

"  I  now  determined  to  make  d,  fourth  great  efl'ort  for 
the  overthrow  of  David,  by  exciting  Absalom  to  rebel 
and  seize  on  the  crown. 

"  Many  things  conspired  to  render  this  enterprise 
promising  at  this  period. 

"  First.  David's  treatment  of  Uriah  had  given  a  tre- 
mendous blow  to  his  reputation.  Uriah  was  yet  well 
remembered  as  the  gallant  and  brave  soldier,  who  had 
been  most  cruelly  sacrificed ;  and  the  matter  was  still 
talked  of,  through  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  to  David's 
disadvantp-ge. 

"Second.  The  kingdom  had  now  grown  very  large, 
and  it  was  impossible  for  any  one  man  to  meet  the 
expectations  of  all.     There  were  complaints  of  neglect, 

17 


194 


ABSALOM. 


and  that  justice  was  not  punctually  and  promptly 
administered, 

"  Third.  There  were  still  in  the  land  many  old 
adherents  of  the  house  of  Saul,  men  who  had  been 
officers  in  his  array,  or  in  the  state,  during  his  admin- 
istration. Many  of  these  had  been  displaced  when 
David  came  into  power,  and  they  and  their  families 
were  not  cordial. 

"  Fourth.  There  were  many  restless  persons,  who 
Avere  weary  of  what  they  styled  monotony.  These 
were  glad  to  have  a  rebellion  ;  some  from  the  mere 
love  of  novelty  and  change  ;  others,  a  large  class,  who 
had  nothing  to  lose,  and  who  hoped  that  a  revolution 
might  better  their  condition. 

"  Fifth.  David  Avas  now  growing  old  ;  the  infirmities 
of  age  were  beginning  to  come  upon  him;  and  many 
were  ready  to  pay  their  devotions  rather  to  the  rising 
than  the  setting  sun. 

"  Sixth.  Absalom  was  the  real  heir  to  the  crown, 
and  many  thought  that  by  being  forward  in  asserting 
his  claims,  they  would  ingratiate  themselves  with  the 
new  administration. 

"  Seventh.  Absalom  possessed  an  engaging  person, 
captivating  manners,  and  well  understood  how  to  render 
himself  prepossessing  and  popular. 

"  And  last,  but  not  least,  Ahithophel,  being  wholly 
alienated  from  David,  would  throw  all  the  weight  of 
his  talents  and  influence  into  the  scale  of  Absalom. 

"  I3y  the  advice  of  Ahithophel,  Absalom  now  began 
to  put  on  state,  and  assume  the  airs  and  bearing  of  a 
sovereign.  He  prepared  horses,  and  chariots,  and  fifty 
men  to  run  before  him,  and  was  most  gorgeously  arrayed, 


ABSALOM.  195 

and  thus  appeared  in  the  most  public  places  about  the 
capital.  This  excited  neither  surprise  nor  suspicion,  for 
he  was  immensely  rich,  and  was  the  acknowledged  heir 
to  the  crown.  In  this  splendid  attire  he  spent  much  of 
his  time  at  the  gate  of  the  king's  palace,  among  those 
who  had  come  from  distant  quarters  of  the  land  with 
lawsuits,  to  obtain  judgment  from  the  king.  Absalom 
was  all  atfability  and  attention  to  such,  inquired  of  eacli 
the  nature  of  his  claim ;  never  failed  to  express  an  opin- 
ion decidedly  favorable,  and  deeply  regretted  that  men 
should  be  detained  unreasonably  from  their  homes  and 
their  business  in  order  to  obtain  justice  in  a  very  plain 
case.  He  spoke  publicly  of  the  necessity  of  more 
promptness  and  despatch  in  the  transacting  of  public 
business,  — 

•  And  cast  between 
Ambiguous  "words  and  jealousies,  to  sound 
Or  taint  integrity.' 

"  In  a  little  time  the  beautiful  person,  the  elegant  and 
refined  manners,  the  generous  and  unparalleled  conde- 
scension, and  the  impartial  public  spirit  of  the  young 
prince,  were  the  theme  of  conversation  and  eulogy  from 
Dan  even  to  Beersheba. 

"  Ahithophel  had  particularly  enjoined  it  on  Absalom 
to  spare  no  pains  in  gaining  over  the  princes  of  Judah. 
Judah  he  regarded  as  the  spinal  marrow  of  the  king- 
dom, and  with  the  princes  of  that  tribe  Ahithophel 
himself  possessed  great  influence. 

''  That  eagle-eyed  politician  had  long  since  noted  a 
striking  peculiarity,  perhaps  I  may  say  defect,  in  the 
general  policy  of  David.  In  his  eagerness  to  secure  new 
friends,  and  confirm  them  in  his  interest,  he  would  often 


196  ABSALOM. 

bear  hard  on  friends  of  long  standing,  whose  attach- 
ment and  fidehty  he  regarded  as  fully  established. 

''  This  Ahithophel  thonght  he  had  observed  in  the 
very  harsh  treatment  David  sometimes  gave  to  the  two 
surviving  sons  of  his  sister  ;  than  whom,  as  he  expressed 
it,  '  no  earthly  prince  was  ever  followed  by  more  faithful 
and  efficient  servants,  in  times  that  tried  men's  souls.' 

"  The  same  policy,  on  a  larger  scale,  was  practised 
after  the  eleven  tribes  had  come  to  Hebron,  and  ac- 
knowledged David  as  their  king.  The  tribe  of  Judah 
had,  with  great  unanimity,  rallied  around  David,  imme- 
diately on  the  downfall  of  Saul.  Single-handed,  they 
had  sustained  him  for  seven  years.  And  now,  when 
all  the  tribes  received  David,  they  thought  that  old 
friends  should  not  be  forgotten.  Very  likely  they  over- 
rated their  claims,  and  were  unreasonable  in  their  ex- 
pectations. But  Ahithophel  saw  that  many  of  the  princes 
were  cooled,  others  deeply  disappointed  and  nettled, 
and  that,  on  the  whole,  here  were  abundant  materials 
to  favor  a  revolution.  With  a  general  revolt  in  Judah, 
and  Absalom's  great  popularity  throughout  all  Israel, 
there  could  be  little  doubt  of  triumphant  success. 

"  Ahithophel  advised  Absalom  to  fix  on  Hebron  as 
the  place  where  his  banner  should  first  be  unfurled. 
Hebron  was  the  principal  city  of  Judah.  It  was  the 
place  of  Absalom's  birth.  David  himself  had  reigned 
there  the  first  seven  years  of  his  kingdom  ;  and  there 
were  strong  local  feelings  excited  among  many  of  the 
citizens,  when  the  seat  of  government  was  removed 
from  Hebron  to  Jerusalem." 


JOAB    AND    AHITHOPHEL.  191 


CHAPTER    XYl. 

JOAB    AND    AHITHOPHEL. 

"  There  was  another  influence  that  Ahithophel  was 
very  anxious  to  secure  to  the  cause  of  Absalom ;  that 
is,  the  cooperation  of  the  two  sons  of  Zeruiah.  Their 
popularity  with  the  army  was  very  great,  and  he  was 
confident  that,  could  they  be  prevailed  on  to  declare  for 
Absalom,  many  of  the  soldiers  would  follow  their  ex- 
ample. But  how  to  approach  them,  was  the  question. 
They  had  ever  been  the  firm,  unwavering  friends  of 
David,  and  seemed  to  think,  feel,  and  act  alike  in  all 
public  matters.  Indeed,  while  Asahel  lived,  the  three 
brothers  appeared  animated,  as  it  were,  by  one  spirit. 
And  since  the  death  of  Asahel,  Joab  and  Abishai  were 
always  of  one  mind  ;  brothers  by  blood,  brothers  in 
afiection,  and  brothers  in  arms.  And  although  each 
had  great  military  reputation,  nothing  like  the  shade  of 
rivalry,  or  selfish  emulation,  had  ever  been  discovered 
between  them.  Each  seemed  to  regard  the  reputation 
and  honor  of  one  as  the  reputation  and  honor  of  both  — 
a  rare  and  memorable  example  of  brotherly  affection. 

"It  was  approaching  noon,  on  the  day  previous  to 
that  appointed  for  erecting  Absalom's  standard,  when 
an  old  man  was  seen  riding  slowly  up  the  way  that  led 
to  the  house   of   Joab.      Joab  was  engaged  in  some 

17* 


19S  JOAB    AND    AHITHOPHEL. 

domestic  cares,  when  he  discovered  the  approach  of  his 
visitor.  '  Welcome,  Ahithophel ;  this  is  friendly,  in- 
deed,' said  Joab  ;  '  come  in,  come  in,  I  am  glad  to  see 
you.' 

"  'I  visit  but  little  of  late,'  said  Ahithophel ;  'but  I 
thought  I  should  like  to  call  on  an  old  friend  once 
more.' 

"  '  I  am  happy  you  are  come  to  my  house,'  said  Joab, 
'You  are  now  almost  a  stranger  at  court.' 

"  '  Yes,'  said  Ahithophel ;  '  I  have  very  much  laid 
aside  public  cares,  and  give  my  attention  chiefly  to 
matters  at  home.  But  how  are  things  moving  on  about 
the  city? ' 

"  '  Quietly,'  said  Joab  ; '  nothing,  I  believe,  of  uncom- 
mon inteiiest.' 

"  '  I  learn,'  said  Ahithophel,  '  that  Absalom  seems  to 
have  a  ready  turn  for  public  business,  and  is  thought- 
ful and  active  for  the  good  of  the  people.' 

"  '  Absalom,'  said  Joab,  '  is  much  of  the  time  in  pub- 
lic places,  extending  his  acquaintance  among  those  that 
resort  to  the  palace,  and  no  doubt  wishes  well  to  the 
people.     I  think  he  is  growing  in  public  favor.' 

"  '  He  often  expresses  his  great  obligation  to  you,' 
said  Ahithophel,  '  for  procuring  the  king's  consent  to 
his  return  from  banishment.' 

"  '  Well,'  said  Joab,  '  I  thought  it  would  be  better  for 
his  father  and  himself  that  they  should  be  reconciled, 
and  if  their  happiness  is  increased  by  it,  I  shall  rejoice.' 

"  '  Absalom  has  told  me  repeatedly,'  said  Ahithophel, 
'  that  he  will  be  grateful  to  you  while  he  lives  for  pro- 
curing first  his  return  from  Geshur,  and  then  his  resto- 
ration to  the  favor  of  David.     I  think  David  forgets 


JOAB    AND    AFIITHOPHEL.  199 

obligations  to  his  friends  very  easily,  and  often,  indeed, 
very  unreasonably.' 

'' '  David  is  but  a  man,'  said  Joab,  '  and,  of  courvSe,  is 
liable  to  have  some  of  the  imperfections  of  a  man.' 

"  '  That  pompous  mourning,'  said  Ahithophel,  'which 
the  king  made  over  Abner,  and  the  very  severe  terms 
in  which,  on  that  occasion,  he  spoke  of  some  of  his 
firmest  friends,  struck  me  as  uncalled  for  and  improper. 
Abner  had  been  to  David  a  bitter  and  unrelenting  foe. 
But  the  king's  conduct  was  designed,  no  doubt,  to  secure 
the  favor  of  the  eleven  tribes,  who,  as  yet,  had  refused 
to  give  in  their  allegiance  to  him.  Yet,  when  his  own 
sister's  son,  the  valiant,  the  swift-footed  Asahel,  in  the 
excess  of  his  burning  enthusiasm  to  sustain  his  uncle, 
against  an  overwhelming  majority,  sacrificed  his  young 
life,  his  fall  was  passed  over  without  any  public  honors 
whatever.' 

"  Joab  was  silent.  He  could  never  hear  an  allusion 
to  the  untimely  fall  of  the  gallant  Asahel  without 
emotions  that  were  too  strong  for  utterance. 

"  Ahithophel  was  confident  he  had  now  made  a 
favorable  impression,  and  proceeded  thus  :  — 

"  '  I  have  long  thought  that  David  is  over  harsh  with 
old  and  long-tried  friends.  Indeed,  I  have  thought  that 
with  you  and  your  brother  Abishai,  considering  your 
great  services,  he  is  sometimes  quite  unreasonable,' 

"'Well,'  said  Joab,  'there  may  have  been  some 
ground  for  that  opinion  ;  but  where  shall  we  find  a 
man  or  a  prince  that  is  wholljr  free  from  defects?' 

"  '  I  have  ever  thought,'  said  Ahithophel,  '  that  the 
fame  you  acquired  by  defeating  Abner  at  the  pool  of 
Gibeon  excited  the  king's  envy.      He  felt  that  your 


200  JOAB     AND    AHITHOPHEL. 

military  reputation  had  eclipsed  his  own ;  and  he  has 
never  been  so  pleasant  to  you  since.' 

"  '  Perhaps  my  too  partial  friends,'  said  Joab,  'dwelt 
on  that  achievement  too  much.  It  was  certainly  im- 
proper to  bring  David's  generalship  into  the  comparison 
to  his  disadvantage.  But,  however,  Ahithophel,  this 
is  a  delicate  subject.  If  I  make  no  complaint  of  the 
king's  treatment  of  me,  my  friends  had  better  be  silent.' 

"With  these  words,  he  fixed  his  keen,  penetrating 
eyes  on  Ahithophel,  as  if  in  search  of  his  object  in 
agitating  such  matters.  Ahithophel  was  somewhat 
confused  by  the  manner  of  Joab,  but,  after  a  moment, 
concluded  it  was  best  to  come  right  to  the  point  he 
had  in  view. 

"  '  There  are  many,'  said  Ahithophel,  '  who  think,  as 
David  is  now  growing  old,  and  public  business  is  very 
burdensome,  and  especially  as  Absalom  shows  so  much 
public  spirit  and  capacity,  it  would  be  advisable  to  have 
him  introduced  into  a  share  of  the  administration  with 
his  father.     I  should  like  to  have  your  opinion.' 

"  Joab  gave  the  counsellor  another  scrutinizing  look, 
and  asked,  '  Is  it  David's  wish? ' 

"  '  I  am  not  certain,'  was  Ahithophel's  reply. 

"  '  Has  the  king  been  consulted  ? '  asked  Joab,  ab- 
ruptly. 

"  '  Perhaps  not,'  said  Ahithophel. 

"  '  That  is  the  very  first  step  to  be  taken,'  said  Joab. 
'  I  hope  the  subject  will  not  be  breathed  to  a  living  soul 
again  till  the  full  and  hearty  approbation  of  the  king 
is  obtained ;  otherwise,  I  am  bound  in  duty  to  set  my 
face  against  it.' 

"  Ahithophel  now  saw  clearly  that  it  would  not  do  to 


JOAB    AND    AHITHOPHEL.  201 

press  the  subject,  and,  after  some  general  conversation 
on  other  topics,  took  leave,  and  returned  to  his  home." 

Here  Lucifer  turned  to  the  speaker  and  said, 

"  Belial,  your  memory  appears  very  retentive  of  an- 
cient events ;  but  have  you  not  forgotten  the  remark 
which  I  made  at  the  time  you  commenced  your 
rehearsal  ? " 

"  Your  majesty,"  said  Belial,  ''  observed  that  I  should 
not  dwell  exclusively  on  the  history  of  kings,  courts, 
and  men  in  public  life." 

"  And  further,"  said  Lucifer,  "  that  you  should  not 
confine  yourself  to  a  recital  of  your  own  devices 
merely,  but  that  you  should  give  sketches  of  indi- 
viduals in  the  common  walks  of  life ;  in  short,  some- 
thing of  a  picture  of  society  as  it  existed  in  Israel  in 
the  times  of  David." 

"  I  understand  your  majesty,"  said  Belial,  "  and  shall 
attempt  to  follow  the  direction.  Let  me  then  remark, 
once  for  all,  that  this  whole  rebellion  was  entirely  of 
my  projecting,  and  that  Absalom  and  Ahithophel 
were  the  chief  instruments  I  employed.  It  will  not  be 
necessary,  therefore,  in  the  prosecution  of  the  story,  to 
refer  continually  to  my  own  agency  and  plans. 

"  I  shall  presently  go  more  minutely  into  particulars 
concerning  a  number  of  individuals  in  the  various  de- 
partments of  society.  Let  me,  however,  first  remark, 
that  there  was  yet  another  influence  which  Ahitho- 
phel was  exceedingly  anxious  to  bring  to  the  support 
of  Absalom's  cause  ;  that  is,  the  influence  of  the  priests, 
the  ministers  of  religion.  But  this  was  very  difficult. 
Zadok  and  Abiathar  were  the  firm  friends  of  David  — 
always  in  his  society ;  and  no  suflicient  inducement  to 


^202  JOAB    AND    AHITHOPHEL. 

revolt  could  be  laid  before  them.  But  their  two  sons, 
Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz,  had  been  Absalom's  playmates 
in  childhood  and  youth  ;  they  might  be  drawn  into  the 
conspiracy  ;  and  then  their  lathers  would  either  be  in- 
duced to  join  for  their  sakes,  or,  at  any  rate,  they  would 
make  but  little  resistance.  To  accomplish  this  design, 
Ahithophel  projected  that  Absalom  should  tell  his 
father  that  he  had  a  very  solemn  vow,  which  he  had 
made  while  in  exile  in  Geshur;  and  that  this  vow 
must  now  be  performed  at  Hebron,  with  costly  sacri- 
fices. This  would  be  a  sufficient  reason  for  taking  the 
young  priests  with  him,  to  officiate  at  the  sacrifice.  He 
was  also  to  take  with  him  a  large  number  of  persons 
from  respectable  families  in  Jerusalem,  who,  being  thus 
brought  into  circumstances  of  suspicion,  would  be 
likely  to  identify  themselves  with  Absalom  ;  and  this 
would  strongly  influence  their  families  and  family 
connections." 

"  '  And  why  go  to  Hebron,  my  son  ? '  asked  David, 
when  Absalom  came  to  obtain  his  permission. 

"  '  Hebron  is  my  birthplace,'  said  Absalom  :  '  it  was 
there  that  I  first  became  conscious  of  existence,  and 
there  I  wish  publicly  and  forever  to  dedicate  myself  to 
the  service  of  Israel's  God.  Such  was  my  solemn  vow, 
made  when  sickened  with  the  loathsome  idol-worship 
practised  in  the  court  of  Geshur.' 

"  '  And  you  take  with  you  these  worthy  associates, 
Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan.  Then  go,  my  son  ;  and  a  fa- 
ther's blessing  go  with  you.  Why,  this  is  the  consum- 
mation of  all  my  wishes,'  said  the  king,  looking  on  the 
beautiful  form  of  Absalom,  as  he  left  the  room.  ^  Ah, 
he'll  be  the  comfort  of  my  declining  days,  and  close 
my  eyes  in  death.'  " 


THE    REBELLION,  203 


CHAPTER   XVII. 

THE    REBELLION. 

"A  CALM  and  brilliant  day,  which  had  thrown  its  radi- 
ance over  the  broad  and  fertile  inheritance  of  Judah 
and  Israel,  was  now  drawing  towards  its  close.  The 
beams  of  the  declining  sun  were  richly  reflected  from 
the  tall,  majestic  groves  on  the  sides  and  summit  of 
Mount  Olivet.  Tranquillity,  without  a  cloud,  reigned 
over  Jerusalem  and  the  surrounding  fields  and  vine- 
yards. Shepherds  were  preparing  to  lead  their  flocks 
and  herds  from  the  hills,  where  they  had  been  feeding 
through  the  day,  to  the  folds  in  which  they  might  rest 
during  the  night. 

"  David  and  the  elders  of  Israel,  in  connection  with 
the  chief  officers  of  the  army,  had  been  deliberating 
on  some  interesting  state  policy ;  but  their  delibera- 
tions were  about  to  conclude,  when  a  single  horseman 
was  discovered  on  the  high  road  leading  from  Hebron, 
making  towards  Jerusalem  at  the  utmost  speed.  Down 
the  steep  he  rushed  —  over  rock  and  hillock,  and  all 
obstructions,  he  hurried  his  headlong  course  to  the  city 
gate.  The  guards  opened  at  his  approach,  for  they 
knew  him  well.  He  passed  without  a  word,  and  urged 
his  jaded  horse,  covered  with  foam,  and  panting  for 
breath,  up  the  street  to  the  palace  of  the  king.     There 


204  THE    REBELLION. 

he  sprung  from  the  saddle,  while  the  horse  quivered 
for  a  moment,  through  every  hmb,  then  dropped  on 
the  pavement  dead.  The  rider  ran  up  the  stairway  to 
the  council-chamber,  and  with  flushed  cheek  and  brow, 
and  disordered  raiment,  stood  before  the  king. 

"  'How  now,  Ahimaaz  !  '  said  David,  somewhat  star- 
tled, '  I  thought  you  had  gone  with  Absalom.' 

"  '  Treason  !  my  lord,  O  king,  treason !  '  cried  Ahim- 
aaz :  '  the  hearts  of  the  men  of  Israel  are  after  Absalom ! ' 

"At  this  astounding  announcement,  the  elders  of 
Israel  stood  aghast.  David  clasped  his  hands  in  an 
agony  of  grief  too  strong  for  utterance,  and  sunk  back 
in  his  seat.  The  Tachmonite  grasped  his  huge  spear 
with  a  violence  that  made  the  long  steel  point  quiver. 
Abishai  and  Eleazar,  the  son  of  Dodo,  laid  each  his 
hand  on  the  hilt  of  his  sword.  The  action  was  imi- 
tated by  most  of  the  mighty  men,  who  stood  round  the 
hall  in  silence,  knitting  their  brows  in  anger  and  biting 
their  lips.  Joab  was  the  only  man  that  remained  per- 
fectly unmoved.  When  Ahimaaz  entered,  he  was 
leaning  carelessly  against  a  stone  pillar,  listening  to  an 
officer  who  was  speaking  on  the  subject  before  the 
council.  When  the  alarming  news  was  told,  that  filled 
the  hall  with  horror  and  agitation,  he  never  changed 
his  position,  laid  no  hand  on  either  sword  or  spear,  but 
steadily  directed  his  eyes  towards  David,  as  if  waiting 
and  ready  for  the  orders  of  his  king. 

"  David  had  now  somewhat  recovered  from  the  first 
shock,  and  asked  Ahimaaz,  — 

•' '  Were  the  people  at  Hebron  many  ?  ' 

"  '  Multitudes,  my  lord,'  said  Ahimaaz  ;  'most  of  the 
princes  of  Judah,  many  of  the   rulers  of  Benjamin,  of 


THE    REBELLION.  205 

Ephraim,  and  of  Dan.     The  conspiracy  is  strong,  for 
the  people  are  increasing  with  Absalom  continually.' 

"  '  Will  they  continue  at  Hebron  ? '  asked  David,  in 
a  voice  that  trembled  with  emotion.  '  or  will  they  at- 
tempt to  come  to  Jerusalem  ? ' 

"  '  They  are  now  on  their  march,  my  lord,'  said  Ahim- 
aaz.  "  They  will  soon  be  here.  When  I  cast  back  the 
last  look  towards  Hebron,  I  saw  their  columns  in 
motion.' 

"  '  Man  the  walls !  '  cried  Eleazar,  the  son  of  Dodo  : 
'we  can  defend  Jerusalem  against  them.' 

"  '  With  your  majesty's  orders,'  said  Joab,  '  we  will 
march  and  disperse  them.' 

"'My  tried  and  faithful  servants,'  said  David,  *I 
know  your  courage  and  your  power  in  the  field  of  bat- 
tle. But,  O,  this  is  unlike  all  the  wars  in  which  you 
have  been  engaged  when  fighting  with  the  enemies  of 
Israel.  These  are  my  own  people,  misguided,  deluded, 
but  still  my  own  people.  And  alas  !  their  leader  is  my 
own  son !  my  rebellious,  dear,  guilty,  beloved  Absa- 
lom !  And  how  can  I  send  forth  such  formidable  and 
resistless  swordsmen,  as  I  know  you  are,  against  the 
life  of  my  own  people,  and  the  life  of  my  own  son  ? 
No,  we  must  fly.  There  may  be  some  strange  mistake 
about  this  matter.  It  is  possible  he  only  wishes  to 
share  the  government  with  me  during  my  declining 
days,  and  has  taken  this  rash,  foolish  method  to  bring 
it  about.  Let  him  take  possession  of  all,  rather  than 
jeopardize  his  life  ;  let  him  take  possession  of  sceptre, 
throne,  palace,  and  kingdom.  A  few  hours  of  reflection 
may  cause  him  to  relent :  and  this  shocking,  distressful 
matter    may  yet  be  settled  without  the  shedding  of 

18 


206  THE    REBELLION. 

precious  blood.  Let  us  fly  !  let  us  speedily  fly,  lest  he 
come  upon  us  in  the  first  moments  of  his  rashness,  and 
calamities  ensue  which  can  never  be  repaired.' 

''  The  deep  and  warm  pathos  with  which  these 
words  were  spoken,  and  the  flowing  tears  with  which 
they  were  accompanied,  melted  the  iron  hearts  of  the 
,  stern  warriors  around  the  king.  And  they  answered, 
'  Behold,  thy  servants  are  ready  to  do  whatever  our 
lord  the  king,  shall  appoint.' 

''  David  now  commenced  his  retreat.  It  was  not 
twenty  minutes  from  his  first  reception  of  the  news 
of  the  conspiracy  until  he  forsook  the  throne  and  the 
palace,  and  set  his  face  towards  the  wilderness.  The 
life-guards  and  the  Cherethites  and  Pelethites  led  the 
way.  The  company  of  Gittites  that  came  with  him 
from  Gath,  proselytes  to  the  Jewish  religion,  headed 
by  Ittai,  the  son  of  Achish,  passed  on  before  him ;  and 
all  the  people  of  the  country  through  which  they 
passed,  wept  aloud  to  see  him  whom  they  regarded  as 
a  brave,  just,  and  pious  prince,  reduced  to  such  extrem- 
ities. And  the  king  himself,  as  he  went  up  the  ascent 
of  Mount  Olivet,  covered  his  head,  and  wept.  He  felt 
that  he  was  under  the  rebuke  of  God  ;  that  he  was 
dishonored  in  the  eyes  of  the  nation  ;  and  that  heathen 
princes,  in  neighboring  countries,  who  had  been  envi- 
ous at  his  prosperity,  would  rejoice  to  hear  of  the  sad 
reverses  that  had  overtaken  him ;  and  all  this  through 
the  wickedness  of  a  son  he  had  so  dearly  loved,  and 
around  whom  so  many  of  his  fond  hopes  had  clustered. 
Many  of  the  soldiers  who  were  marching  by  the  side 
of  the  king,  on  witnessing  his  deep  distress,  covered 
their  heads  and  wept. 


THE    REBELLION.  207 

"  Zadok  and  Abiathar,  the  priests,  together  with  a 
large  body  of  Levites,  had  taken  the  ark  of  the  cove- 
nant of  God,  and  brought  it  out  of  the  city,  designing 
to  carry  it  with  David  in  his  flight.  But  the  king 
commanded  them  to  bear  it  back  to  its  appointed 
place.  '  If  I  shall  find  favor  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,' 
said  David  to  Zadok  and  Abiathar,  '  he  will  bring  me 
again,  and  show  me  both  the  ark  and  his  habitation. 
But  if  he  say  thus,  "  I  have  no  delight  in  thee,"  behold, 
here  am  I ;  let  him  do  to  me  as  seemeth  good  unto 
him.' 

"  So  Zadok  and  Abiathar,  with  the  Levites,  carried 
back  the  ark  to  its  place. 

"  In  the  mean  time,  messengers  were  arriving  from 
various  quarters,  bringing  tidings  how  the  rebellion  was 
spreading,  and  how  the  people,  in  immense  masses, 
were  rising  and  declaring  for  Absalom.  '  The  men 
of  Manasseh,'  said  one,  '  are  marching  in  great  number 
to  join  the  insurgents.'  '  The  banner  of  Absalom,' 
said  another,  '  is  floating  from  the  top  of  their  towers 
in  most  of  the  cities  of  Benjamin.'  '  The  signal 
trumpet,'  said  a  third,  '  has  been  blown  throughout  all 
JMount  Ephraim,  and  the  revolt  is  almost  universal.' 
And  now  a  fourth  messenger  comes  running,  with 
paleness  in  his  face  and  terror  in  his  eye,  and  cries, 
'  Ahithophel  is  among  the  conspirators  with  Absalom.' 
'  Are  you  certain  of  that,  Jonathan  ?  '  said  David,  stop- 
ping short,  and  looking  earnestly  at  the  messenger, 
who  was  no  other  than  the  young  priest,  the  son  of 
Abiathar.  '  I  saw  him  with  my  own  eyes,'  said  Jon- 
athan, '  and  learned  that  Absalom  had  pledged  him- 
self to  conduct  the  whole  rebellion  according  to  his 
counsel.' 


208  THE    REBELLION. 

"  I  could  observe,"  said  Belial,  '•'  that  nothing  which 
had  yet  come  to  the  ears  of  David,  excited  liis  alarm, 
to  compare  with  this  message  brought  by  Jonathan. 
He  knew  the  awful  talents  of  Ahithophel.  And  he 
was  aware  that  such  a  man  would  not  have  come  out 
so  publicly,  and  identified  himself  with  the  insurgents, 
unless  his  designs  were  desperate.  The  news  that 
whole  cities  had  revolted,  that  entire  tribes  had  gone 
over,  produced  no  such  agitation  as  the  announcement, 
*  Ahithophel  is  among  the  conspirators  with  Absalom! ' 
His  terror,  for  the  moment,  was  excessive.  '  Matters,' 
said  he,  '  will  be  driven  to  extremities,  indeed,  if  that 
man  is  their  counsellor.  I  must  look  to  God  ;  for 
against  his  devices  there  is  no  help  on  this  side  of 
heaven.'  And  lifting  up  his  hands  and  eyes,  he  cried, 
'  O  Lord,  I  pray  thee,  turn  the  counsel  of  Ahithophel 
into  foolishness.' 

"  When  David  had  reached  the  top  of  the  Mount  of 
Olives,  he  spent  a  longer  season  in  earnest  prayer,  that 
Jehovah  would  have  mercy  on  his  covenant  people,  and 
save  them  from  the  fearful  ruin  that  now  was  thicken- 
ing and  blackening  around  them ;  and  especially  that, 
in  the  exercise  of  his  unsearchable  wisdom  and  almighty 
power,  he  would  frustrate  the  dark,  desperate,  and  dia- 
bolical counsels,  into  which  Ahithophel  would  certainly 
attempt  to  lead  Absalom  and  the  armies  of  Israel.  The 
men  of  war  stood  round,  and  bent  their  sunburnt  visages 
to  the  earth,  as  the  king,  with  a  fervor  that  almost 
amounted  to  agony,  offered  up  his  prayer  to  God,  in 
whom  was  all  his  hope. 

"  There  was  but  one  man  in  all  Israel  who  was  at 
all   capable   of  coping   with   Ahithophel.      This  was 


THE    REBELLION.  209 

Hushai  the  Archite,  a  counsellor  of  great  talent  and 
long  experience,  who  now  dwelt  in  Jerusalem.  He  was 
esteemed  as  a  man  of  great  worth,  had  long  been  David's 
companion,  and,  from  their  uncommon  intimacy,  was 
generally  styled  David's  friend.  He  was  remarkably 
eloquent  and  able  in  debate  ;  and  even  when  his  side 
of  the  question  was  not  the  most  promising, 

'  His  tongue 
Dropped  manna,  and  could  make  the  worse  appear 
The  better  reason.' 

"  Just  as  David  had  concluded  his  prayer,  this  man 
came  up,  with  his  clothes  rent  and  earth  upon  his  head, 
and  stood  before  the  king  in  silence  and  grief.  His 
arrival  at  that  juncture  seemed  the  merest  accident, 
though,"  said  Belial,  "  I  have  often  since  doubted 
Avhether  it  were  altogether  accident. 

"  '  Hushai,'  said  David, '  you  have  come  to  accompany 
me  in  my  exile.  It  is  kind  on  your  part,  but  you  must 
not  go.  Return  to  the  city.  Report  yourself  to  Absa- 
lom. Get  into  his  confidence,  and  among  his  advisers, 
if  you  can,  and  then  mayst  thou,  for  me,  defeat  the 
counsel  of  Ahithophel.'  Hushai  bowed,  and  departed 
instantly,  and  returned  with  so  much  despatch  and 
secrecy,  that  it  was  not  publicly  known  that  he  had 
been  absent  from  the  city. 

"  There  is  one  other  circumstance  in  the  flight  of 
David  that  I  wish  to  mention  here.  In  most  communi- 
ties," said  Belial,  "  there  is  a  class  of  men,  who  have 
little  or  no  principle,  that  may  be  called  time-servers. 
In  any  revolution  in  church  or  state,  who  is  right,  or 
what  is  right,  is  no  inquiry  of  theirs.  Their  sole 
lookout  is,  which  is  likely  to  be  the  strongest  party. 

18* 


2l0  TPiE    REBELLION. 

And  as  soon  as  they  have  made  that  discovery,  you 
will  find  them  noisy  and  conspicuous.  Those  can 
always  have  the  assistance  and  cooperation  of  this  class 
of  men,  who  do  not  need  them.  But  if  they  find  that 
their  party  is  likely  to  be  in  a  minority,  they  will  desert 
at  once,  and  become  equally  loud  and  boisterous  on 
the  other  side.  There  was  one  of  these  men  at  Bahu- 
rim,  a  little  town  a  mile  or  two  north-east  of  Jerusalem, 
through  which  David  passed  in  his  retreat.  His  name 
was  Shimei,  the  son  of  Gera,  a  Benjamite.  He  saw 
that  the  tide  of  public  favor  was  running  tremendously 
with  Absalom.  David  was  in  full  retreat,  with  but  a 
small  body  of  adherents.  News  from  every  part  of  the 
country  left  no  doubt  on  his  mind  that  Absalom  would 
be  triumphantly  successful.  So  this  he  thought  a 
favorable  opportunity  to  distinguish  himself.  As  David 
and  his  men  were  passing  by,  Shimei  came  forth,  and 
cursed  still  as  he  came  ;  and  cast  stones  at  David, 
and  at  the  servants  of  the  king,  and  at  all  the  people, 
and  all  the  mighty  men  that  were  on  his  right  hand 
and  on  his  left.  And  thus  said  Shimei,  when  he 
cursed,  '  Come  out,  come  out,  thou  bloody  man,  and 
thou  man  of  Belial.  The  Lord  hath  returned  upon 
thee  all  the  blood  of  the  house  of  Saul,  in  whose  stead 
thou  hast  reigned,  and  the  Lord  hath  delivered  the 
kingdom  into  the  hand  of  Absalom,  thy  son.  And, 
behold,  thou  art  taken  in  thy  mischief,  because  thou 
art  a  bloody  man.' 

"  Then  said  Abishai  to  the  king,  '  Why  should  this 
dead  dog  curse  my  lord  the  king  ?  Let  me  go  over,  I 
pray  thee,  and  take  off  his  head.'  What  proof  is  here 
of  the  perfection  of  discipline  in  David's  army  !    Abishai 


THE    REBELLION.  211 

was  a  famous  general,  second  only  to  Joab.  And  yet 
even  he  must  not  lift  his  hand  against  Shimei  without 
the  order  of  his  superior.  I  have  seen  men  in  modern 
times,"  said  Belial,  "  who  in  such  a  juncture  would 
have  dashed  over  and  swept  off  Shimei's  head  in  the 
first  place,  and  then  discussed  the  propriety  of  it  after- 
wards. Not  so  in  the  army  of  David  :  perfect  discipline 
was  maintained.  And  here  is  the  great  secret  of  the 
unexampled  success  of  that  army.  David  rebuked 
Abishai  for  being  too  resentful,  and  acknowledged  it  as 
a  chastisement  from  the  hand  of  God. 

"  '  So  let  him  curse,  because  the  Lord  hath  said  unto 
him,  Curse  David.  Who  then  shall  say.  Wherefore 
hast  thou  done  so  ?  And  David  said  to  Abishai  and  to 
all  his  servants,  Behold,  my  son  seeketh  my  life :  how 
much  more  may  this  Benjamite  do  it !  Let  him 
alone,  and  let  him  curse,  for  the  Lord  hath  bidden  him.' 

Here  Beelzebub,  who  had  not  spoken  a  word  since 
Belial  commenced  his  narrative,  raised  his  Atlantean 
bulk,  and  stood  erect  amidst  the  council  of  fallen 
angels.  There  was  a  troubled  anxiety  in  his  coun- 
tenance, mingled  with  the  beamings  of  a  powerful 
intellect. 

'•  Belial,"  said  he,  "  how  is  it  David  speaks  so  plainly 
of  the  agency  of  God  in  Shimei's  cursing  him?  " 

''  Bible  saints,"  said  Belial,  "  often  employ  strange 
language  on  that  subject,  and  language  in  many  cases 
exceedingly  strong.  Joseph,  you  know,  said  to  his 
brethren  in  Egypt,  'God  sent  me  here.' " 

Beelzebub  replied,  "  And  was  there  not  in  Nathan's 
message  to  David  something  that  implied  that  the 
hand  of  God  would  be  concerned  in  the  troubles  that 


212  THE    REBELLION. 

should  arise  in  David's  house,  inchiding,  no  doubt,  the 
murder  of  Amnon  and  the  rebellion  of  Absalom  ?  " 

"  There  was,  indeed,"  said  Belial,  "  something  in 
Nathan's  language  that  strongly  implied  it." 

"  1  have  dreaded  that  doctrine,"  said  Beelzebub,  "  for 
thousands  of  years.  It  is  so  closely  connected  with 
the  doctrine  that  God's  '  counsel  will  stand,'  and  he 
will  do  his  whole  pleasure.  If  the  hand  of  God  is 
concerned  in  the  death  of  the  sparrow,  and  in  feeding 
the  young  ravens,  and  if  his  providence  enters  into  all 
the  minute  affairs  of  men,  I  fear  that  when  his  designs 
are  complete,  and  the  'mystery  of  God  is  finished,'  it 
will  be  found  he  hath  done  all  things  well,  and  that 
the  head  of  the  serpent  has  been  bruised.  I  fear  that 
all  tears  will  be  wiped  from  the  eyes  of  the  saints 
forever,  and  that  the  angels  and  all  holy  beings  will 
be  satisfied  with  the  administration  of  God  from  the 
beginning  to  the  end." 

''  Do  not  be  alarmed,"  said  Belial :  "  the  doctrine  of 
a  particular,  special  providence  is  growing  more  and 
more  unpopular  in  the  world.  The  tide  of  public 
sentiment  is  strongly  against  it.  Multitudes  at  this 
day  reject  it,  and  go  in  for  the  doctrine  of  chance  and 
accident  as  strongly  as  we  could  desire." 

"  But  is  there  not  great  danger,  now,"  asked  Beel- 
zebub, "  when  the  Bible  is  spreading,  and  coming  into 
the  hands  of  almost  every  family  and  every  individual, 
that  the  doctrine  of  God's  providence,  that  stands  out 
on  every  page,  will  be  revived  again  ?  " 

"The  Bible,"  answered  Belial,  "is  not  read,  how- 
ever it  may  be  circulated." 

"  I  thought,"  said  Beelzebub,  "  this  is  becoming  a 


THE    REBELLION.  213 

reading  age.  Is  not  the  habit  of  reading  rapidly- 
increasing  ? "' 

"  True,"  said  Behal,  "  but  they  do  not  read  the 
Bible.  Their  reading  is  chiefly  in  the  light  and  frothy 
novels,  so  current  at  the  present  day." 

"Excellent,"  said  Beelzebub:  "  I  should  tremble  to 
see  the  public  attention  fixed  closely  on  the  Bible.  It 
brings  God  so  near  to  men.  The  policy  of  hell  is  to 
keep  God  as  much  out  of  sight  as  possible.  If  men 
will  not  deny  his  existence  altogether,  let  them,  at  least, 
be  persuaded  that  he  is  very  far  off",  and  that  his  hand 
and  counsel  have  little  to  do  in  the  common  events 
of  life.  When  you  spake  of  David  owning  the  hand 
of  God  in  the  reproach  he  received  from  Shimei,  and 
Nathan  teaching  that  the  hand  of  God  was  concerned 
in  the  troubles  that  sprung  up  in  David's  family,  I  was 
distressed  ;  for  the  doctrine  of  a  special,  particular 
providence  is  not  only  unpleasant,  but  terrible  to  the 
hosts  of  hell." 

"There  is  nothing  to  fear,"  answered  Belial :  "  pub- 
lic sentiment  now,  among  multitudes  who  do  not  profess 
to  reject  the  Bible,  is  decidedly  opposed  to  the  doctrine 
of  a  particular  providence  in  all  the  affairs  of  men." 

''  But,"  said  Beelzebub,  heaving  a  deep  sigh,  and 
rolling  his  huge  eyes  around  the  gloomy  cavern,  "  is 
there  not  danger  that  when  the  Jews  return,  and  ai-e 
converted,  and  become  teachers  of  religion,  the  old 
Bible  doctrine  may  be  revived  again  ?  The  Jews, 
you  know,  study  the  Bible  very  attentively.  And  the 
public  sentiment  you  speak  of  may  go,  like  the  public 
sentiment  at  the  time  of  Absalom's  rebellion." 

'•I  have  no  fears,"  answered  Belial:  "I  tell  you  the 


214  THE    REBELLION. 

doctrine  you  dread  is  very  unpopular,  and  is  daily 
growing  more  so." 

''  I  am  glad  of  that,"  said  Lucifer,  keeping  his  seat, 
however,  —  "heartily  glad  of  that.  But  come,  come  ; 
this  is  no  theological  seminary  for  the  discussing  of 
such  subjects.     Proceed  with  your  narrative,  Belial." 

Beelzebub  now  resumed  his  seat,  and  Belial  pro- 
ceeded. 

''I  mentioned,"  said  Belial,  "that  Hushai  the  Ar- 
chite,  returned  to  Jerusalem  immediately  after  his  inter- 
view with  David.  The  general  confusion  and  tumult 
made  by  the  flight  of  David  and  the  expected  arrival 
of  Absalom,  was  such,  that  Hushai  was  able  to  reenter 
the  city  without  having  it  known  that  he  had  been 
with  David  in  his  flight.  He  arranged  with  Zadok 
and  Abiathar,  the  priests,  that  their  two  sons,  Jonathan 
and  Ahimaaz,  who  would  be  under  suspicion  because 
they  had  left  Absalom  at  Hebron,  should  be  secreted  at 
Enrogel,  or  the  Fuller's  Fountain,  a  short  distance  from 
the  city,  that  they  might  carry  to  David  any  informa- 
tion concerning  Absalom's  plans  and  movements  that 
it  was  important  he  should  know. 

"  This  was  scarcely  done  when  loud  strains  of  martial 
music,  from  the  heights  on  the  Hebron  road,  came  float- 
ing on  the  breeze.  Another  moment,  and  in  full  view 
appeared  the  advancing  columns  of  armed  men,  while 
banners  of  costly  material  and  exquisite  workmanship 
were  waving  over  their  extended  lines.  No  sooner 
were  they  full  in  sight,  than  a  signal  flag,  according  to 
a  previously  concerted  plan,  was  run  up  on  the  tallest 
tower  of  the  city  of  David,  announcing  that  the  city 
was  in  the  possession  of  the  friends  of  Absalom :  at  ?ight 


THE    REBELLION.  215 

of  this,  the  advancing  anny  rent  the  air  with  shouts 
of  transport ;  these  were  answered  by  ten  thousand  voices 
from  the  city,  in  a  style  that  made  valley  and  moun- 
tain ring.  Often,  as  the  enthusiastic  shout  began  to  die 
away,  it  was  renewed,  now  from  the  army  and  now 
from  the  city,  till  Absalom,  and  even  Ahithophel  himself, 
found  the  extravagant  ardor  of  the  people  go  beyond  all 
previous  calculation.  At  the  head  of  the  advancing 
army  could  now  be  identified  the  martial  form  of  Amasa, 
Absalom's  chief  commander.  He  was  the  nephew  of 
David,  and  the  cousin  of  Absalom.  Near  the  centre 
of  the  moving  multitude  could  be  discerned  the  gor- 
geous equipage  and  elegant  person  of  Absalom,  wearing 
a  brilliant  diadem,  and  attended  by  all  the  pomp  and 
circumstance  of  royalty. 

"  The  gates  of  Jerusalem  opened  wide  to  receive  its 
new  monarch,  and  as  the  long  procession  moved  up 
the  main  street  of  the  city  towards  the  palace,  wavmg 
signals  of  welcome  from  door,  window,  and  house-top, 
with  the  splendid  ensigns  of  the  several  tribes,  as  they 
passed  in  succession,  imparted  to  the  whole  scene  an 
air  of  the  most  imposing  grandeur. 

"  Absalom  was  conducted  to  the  throne  by  the 
princes  of  Judah,  Ephraim,  Benjamin,  and  Dan.  And 
the  nobles  of  many  a  house,  famous  in  Israel,  were 
emulous  which  should  first  press  forward  and  give  in 
his  allegiance  to  the  young  king.  At  this  juncture 
Hushai  the  Archite,  David's  friend,  came  forward  and 
said  to  Absalom,  '  God  save  the  king !  God  save  the 
king  ! '  without  saying  who  the  king  was.  Said 
Absalom  to  Hushai,  '  Is  this  thy  kindness  to  thy 
friend  ?      Why  wentest  not  thou  with   thy  friend  ? ' 


216  THE    REBELLION. 

Hushai's  answer  is  the  best  example  of  the  equivocal 
that  is  to  be  found  in  all  ancient  history.  '  And  Hu- 
shai  said  unto  Absalom,  Nay  ;  but  whom  the  Lord,  and 
this  people,  and  all  the  men  of  Israel  choose,  his  will  I 
be,  and  with  him  will  I  abide.  And  again,  whom 
should  I  serve  ?  Should  I  not  serve  in  the  presence  of 
his  son  ?  As  I  have  served  in  thy  father's  presence,  so 
will  I  be  in  thy  presence.'  (2  Sam.  xvii.  18,  19.)  The 
answer  may  mean,  that  Hushai  will  now  be  the  firm 
friend  of  Absalom,  as  he  once  was  the  friend  of  David  ; 
or  it  may  mean  just  as  well  that  he  will  be  true  to 
David  now  in  his  adversity,  as  he  was  when  he  sat  on 
the  throne.  But  Absalom  took  it  as  a  high  compliment 
to  himself,  and  received  Hushai  into  his  confidence. 

"  During  all  this  pompous  ceremony,"  said  Belial, 
*'  I  watched  narrowly  the  countenance  of  Absalom,  if 
I  could  detect  any  indications  of  remorse,  or  shame,  or 
regret,  for  the  degradation  and  misfortunes  of  his  aged 
father.  But  there  were  none.  Intoxicated  with  vanity, 
success,  and  popularity,  he  seemed  wholly  wrapped  in 
supreme  self-complacency,  and  altogether  unmindful 
of  the  threatenings  of  God  against  a  rebellious  son. 

"  When  the  congratulations  and  waves  of  tumultuous 
joy  had  begun  gradually  to  subside,  Absalom  beckoned 
to  Ahithophel  to  approach,  and  the  aged  counsellor 
came  near. 

"  '  What  next  ? '  said  Absalom. 

"  '  I  have  a  word,'  said  Ahithophel,  '  for  your  own 
ear.' 

"  Absalom  signified  to  the  nobles  that  they  should 
fall  back,  that  he  might  speak  in  private  with  his  coun- 
sellor.    Ahithophel  had  been  long  practised  in  courts. 


THE    REBELLION.  217 

The  schemes  and  intrigues  of  the  wily  politician  had 
been  to  him  '  the  breath  of  life.'  And  such  a  life,"  said 
Belial,  "you  all  know,  is  calculated  to  blunt  the  finer 
sensibilities  and  sear  the  conscience.  '  It  hardens  all 
within,  and  petrifies  the  feeling.'  But  there  was  some- 
thing in  the  suggestion  he  was  now  about  making  to 
Absalom,  that  brought  to  his  pale,  ashen  countenance  a 
blush  that  spread  over  cheek,  and  brow,  and  temples,  till 
I  could  see  the  red  glow  between  the  long  locks  of  his 
snow-white  hau\ 

"  '  Your  majesty's  followers,'  said  he,  '  are  devoted, 
faithful,  and  enthusiastic ;  and  yet  there  is  one  point 
on  which  it  is  essential  they  should  be  thoroughly 
satisfied.' 

"  '  What  is  that  ? '  said  Absalom. 

"  '  Whether  there  is  any  likelihood  of  a  compromise 
between  your  majesty  and  the  former  occupant  of  the 
throne.' 

"  'None  whatever,'  rejoined  Absalom. 

"  '  On  that  point,'  said  Ahithophel,  '  it  is  necessary  to 
fix  the  firmest  conviction  on  the  public  mind.  It  is 
well  known  that  David,  when  he  left  the  city,  calcu- 
lated you  would  propose  a  compromise,  and  that  a  part- 
nership in  the  throne,  during  his  life,  is  all  you  have  in 
view.  Now,  while  this  impression  is  on  the  mind  of 
the  people,  they  will  be  timid  and  cautious  as  to  any 
decisive  step  in  your  majesty's  service  ;  thinking  that 
David  may  yet  be  brought  back,  and  then  any  strong 
measures  against  him  at  this  time  will  be  remembered 
and  avenged.  But  show  them  you  are  going  to  make 
thorough  work ;  that  the  breach  between  yon  and 
David  is  irreparable.     '•'  And  then  their  hands  will  be 

19 


218  THE    REBELLION. 

strong,"  and  they  will  hesitate  at  nothing  in  order  to 
establish  your  throne.' 

"  '  I  see,'  replied  Absalom,  '  the  importance  of  your 
suggestion  ;   but  how  shall  it  be  effected  ? ' 

"  '  Your  majesty  is  aware,'  answered  Ahithophel, 
'  that  conquerors  take  possession  of  all  that  belonged  to 
the  former  king  —  his  throne,  his  treasury,  his  palace, 
and  his  wives.  Now,  there  are  ten  young  women  here, 
concubines  of  the  conquered  king.  If  your  majesty 
would  take  them  as  your  concubines,  in  a  manner  that 
shall  be  entirely  public,  that  will  at  once  convince  all 
the  people  that  no  accommodation  or  compromise  is 
thought  of,  and  then  they  will  go  all  lengths  to  estab- 
lish your  dominion.' 

"  I  said,"  continued  Belial,  "  that  Ahithophel,  though 
inveterate  in  wickedness  and  hard-hearted,  blushed 
deeply,  at  making  this  proposal.  But  such  was  the 
gross  and  enormous  depravity  of  Absalom,  that  on  his 
part  there  was  no  blush  nor  hesitation.  He  signified  at 
once  his  approval  of  Ahithophel's  counsel.  The  suu 
was  yet  above  the  horizon,  for  the  events  I  have  de- 
scribed had  passed  in  rapid  succession.  '  So  they  spread 
a  tent  upon  the  top  of  the  house,  and  Absalom  went  in 
unto  his  father's  concubines  in  the  sight  of  all  Israel.' 

"Although  this  transaction  met  with  the  general 
sanction  of  scheming  politicians,  yet  many  of  the  plain 
country  people,  who  had  gathered  to  the  standard  of 
the  revolution,  were  shocked  at  what  they  regarded  as 
hideous  and  abominable  wickedness,  and  immediately 
many  of  Zebulon,  and  Naphtali,  and  Issachar,  and 
Asher,  sick  at  heart,  quietly  left  the  city,  and  returned 
to  Absalom  no  more." 


THE    DEBATE.  219 


CHAPTER   XVIII. 


THE    DEBATE. 


"  Absalom  now  assembled  the  princes  and  elders  of 
the  various  tribes  who  had  declared  openly  for  him,  to 
consult  what  further  measures  should  be  taken  to 
strengthen  and  confirm  his  government.  Not  less  than 
five  hundred  leading  men,  numbers  of  them  famous  in 
the  annals  of  their  country,  were  gathered  in  grand 
council ;  but  all  eyes  v/ere  turned  to  Ahithophel,  whose 
long  experience  and  unrivalled  reputation  for  political 
wisdom  gave  him  an  undisputed  preeminence. 

"  Now,"  said  Belial,  "I  cannot  go  on  with  this  history, 
without  requesting  this  large  and  respectable  assembly 
to  give  special  attention  to  what  I  am  about  to  relate. 
I  was  prodigiously  interested  at  the  time,  and  I  have 
never  spoken  of  it  since  without  the  strongest  emotion." 

At  this  request,  there  was  a  general  movement 
through  the  whole  assembly.  Huge  demons,  from 
remote  heathen  lands,  were  seen  putting  themselves 
in  an  attitude  of  renewed  attention,  and  fixing  their 
eyes  on  the  speaker  with  awakened  expectation. 

"  I  have  witnessed  debates,"  said  Belial,  "  between 
the  most  renowned  orators  in  heathen  lands.  When  the 
great  masters  of  eloquence  in  Greece  and  Rome  were 
in  the  zenith  of  their  glory,  I  have  heard  their  argu- 


220  THE    DEBATE. 

ments.  Among  modern  nations  also,  I  liave  attended 
to  the  discussions  of  their  ablest  statesmen.  Bat  the 
debate  that  now  ensued,  whether  we  consider  the 
talent  arrayed  on  opposite  sides,  or  the  momentous 
results  that  followed,  has  had,  so  far  as  my  observation 
has  gone,  few  parallels  in  the  history  of  parliamentary 
discussion. 

"Absalom  first  broke  the  silence,  calling  out  his 
renowned  counsellor,  '  Ahithophel,  give  counsel  what 
we  shall  do.' 

"  Ahithophel  rose,  and  with  both  hands  threw  back 
the  long  locks  of  his  hoary  hair.  There  was  a  glad- 
ness m  his  eye,  an  air  of  satisfaction  that  entirely 
overspread  his  remarkable  countenance,  that  told  how 
largely  he  shared  in  the  triumph  already  achieved. 
With  a  reverential,  prolonged,  and  graceful  inclination 
of  his  person  towards  Absalom,  he  thus  began  :  — 

"  '  The  success,  thus  far,  of  this  glorious  and  mem- 
orable revolution  has  equalled,  nay,  I  may  say,  tran- 
scended far,  the  liveliest  anticipations  of  your  majesty's 
warmest  admirers.  The  same  wise  counsels  followed 
a  little  further,  and  the  work  is  done.  Your  majesty's 
dominion  is  established,  firm  as  the  foundations  of 
Lebanon,  over  all  Israel,  from  Dan  even  to  Beersheba. 
One  obstacle  only  remains  in  your  path,  —  one  man. 
Have  him  swept  entirely  and  forever  out  of  the  way, 
and  then  your  long  and  prosperous  reign  goes  on  with- 
out hazard  or  molestation.  As  to  that  man,  mark  what 
I  say,'  (three  times  rapping  his  finger  on  the  table 
before  him,)  'take  time  by  tlie  forelock!  Pause  not  ! 
delay  not !  till  the  final  blorv  is  given,  that  secures  to 
your  majesty  all  that  your  heart  can  desire.     The  de- 


THE    DEBATE.  221 

throned  monarch  left  the  city  late  this  afternoon  in  con- 
sternation and  fright  ;  he  has  as  yet  no  plans  of  resist- 
ance or  defence.  This  is  evident  from  the  fact  that, 
with  Jerusalem  in  his  possession,  and  all  the  munitions 
of  war  in  the  city  at  his  command,  no  attempt  was 
made  to  bar  the  gates  or  man  the  walls  against  the  fol- 
lowers of  your  majesty.  This,'  said  he,  '  in  one  re- 
spect, is  to  be  regretted,'  looking  round  over  the  glowing 
countenances  of  the  proud  aspiring  nobles  that  thronged 
the  spacious  hall ;  '  for  multitudes  around  your  majesty 
eagerly  coveted  the  opportunity  of  demonstrating  their 
enthusiastic  loyalty  by  cutting  to  pieces  whatever 
opposition  might  have  been  vainly  attempted  to  the 
advancement  of  the  prince  of  their  choice.' 

"  Here  bursts  of  tumultuous  applause  overwhelmed 
the  speaker.  He  yielded  to  the  torrent,  while  loud  and 
extravagant  protestations  of  zeal  and  devotion  resounded 
from  all  parts  of  the  assembly.  Prince  vied  with  prince 
and  noble  with  noble,  Ephraim  with  Judah  and  Judah 
with  Ephraim,  Benjamin  with  Dan  and  Dan  with  Ben- 
jamin, who  would  be  foremost  to  sacrifice  limb  and 
life  in  a  cause  so  ardently  beloved.  Absalom  at  length 
called  to  order,  and  Ahithophel  proceeded  :  —  ^ 

"  '  But  no  such  opportunity  was  offered  ;  not  even  the 
shadow  of  attempt  at  resistance  was  made.  Jerusalem, 
with  all  its  defences,  was  abandoned,  and  the  gates  left 
open  wide  for  the  reception  of  one  who  is  worthy  to 
reign.  The  throneless  exile,  as  I  learn,  in  his  flight 
went  up  the  ascent  of  Mount  Olivet,  barefoot,  with  his 
head  covered  and  weeping.  His  meagre  handful  of  de- 
jected and  degraded  followers,  as  I  learn,  covered  every 
man  his  head,  and  went  on  weeping.  Their  appearance 
19* 


222  THE    DEBATE. 

was  so  forlorn  and  miserable,  that  the  common  people 
of  the  country,  who  witnessed  their  retreat,  had  their 
pity  and  sympathy  so  much  excited,  that  men,  women, 
and  children,  lifted  up  their  voices  and  wept.  These 
wretched  refugees,  I  have  certain  intelligence,  are  now 
huddled  together  in  the  open  field,  quaking  with  terror 
and  exhausted  by  their  precipitate  flight,  a  little  beyond 
the  town  of  Bahurim,  wholly  unprepared  for  resistance 
or  further  escape.  But,  mark  me  ! '  —  here  his  emphasis 
was  awful,  while  he  smote  the  table  at  full  force  with 
his  clinclied  hand,  and  stamped  on  the  pavement  with 
all  his  might  — '  mark  me  !  Take  time  by  the  forelock ! 
This  precious,  golden  opportunity  must  not  be  lost. 
This  auspicious  time  must  not  be  sacrificed.  Beware 
of  delay !  If  time  be  given,  the  old  warrior  will  re- 
cover from  this  shock.  His  martial  spirit  will  awake. 
His  old  military  habits  will  be  aroused  and  called  again 
into  action.  His  old  soldiers,  now  scattered  through 
the  kingdom,  will  rally  around  him  again,  and  he  will 
become  formidable  in  battle.  Let  me  nov\'"  choose  out 
twelve  thousand  men,  that  each  tribe  may  have  an  equal 
part  in  this  glorious  and  conclusive  deed ;  and  I  will  arise 
and  pursue  after  David  this  night ;  and  I  will  come  upon 
him  while  he  is  weary  and  weak-handed,  and  I  will 
make  him  afraid  ;  and  all  the  people  that  are  with  him 
shall  flee ;  and  I  v/ill  smite  the  king  only.  And  when 
it  is  publicly  known  that  David  is  dead,  then  all  Israel 
will  turn  to  thee,  and  thy  kingdom  shall  be  established 
in  safety  and  in  peace.'     (2  Sam.  xvii.  1 — 3.) 

"  'Admirable !  admirable  ! '  exclaimed  Absalom : '  what 
wisdom  could  equal  this ! '  The  princes  smiled,  and 
gave  signals  of  assent  and  approbation  from  all  parts  of 


THE    DEBATE.  223 

the  council  chamber;  whilst  Ahithophel  left  the  room, 
as  if  some  preparatory  arrangement  had  occurred  to 
his  mind,  necessary  in  order  to  his  taking  the  proposed 
command. 

"In  this  interval,  Absalom  inquired  if  any  of  the 
princes  had  a  word  to  offer  before  the  final  decision 
was  made.     None  answered. 

"  '  Is  Hushai  the  Archite  in  the  assembly  ? '  said 
Absalom  :  '  we  should  like  to  hear  his  opinion.'  (2  Sam. 
xvii.  5.) 

"  Hushai  rose,  and  began  to  move  slowly  through 
the  crowd  of  nobles,  as  if  he  was  desirous  to  get  nearer 
to  the  king.  I  thought,"  said  Belial,  "  I  could  discover 
that  while  he  wished  to  show  that  he  was  going  to  oc- 
cupy the  floor,  he  was  anxious  to  give  as  much  time 
as  possible  for  the  waves  of  emotion  excited  by  Ahitho- 
phel's  address  to  subside.  I  have  told  you  that  he  was 
an  experienced  and  talented  counsellor,  who  had  rubbed 
through  many  a  hard  dilemma,  though  never  one  that 
equalled  tiiis.  He  saw,  with  the  clearness  of  a  sun- 
beam, that  if  Ahithophel's  counsel  was  followed,  unless 
God  interposed  by  miracle,  David  must  be  crushed  ; 
and  yet,  as  he  was  proverbially  called  David's  friend, 
if  he  too  strongly  dissented  from  Ahithophel,  he  would 
at  once  fall  under  suspicion,  and  ruin  his  cause.  His 
introduction  was  modest  and  cautious  in  the  extreme. 

"  '  Illustrious  monarch,'  said  he,  '  your  attention,  and 
the  attention  of  the  princes  of  Israel,  has  again  been  en- 
grossed by  the  enlightened  views  of  the  most  renowned 
and  fortunate  statesman  that  ever  graced  the  council 
of  a  king ;  renowned,  I  say,  for  who  has  ever  equalled 
him  in  wisdom  ?  and  fortunate,  for  who  would  not  be 


224  THE    DEBATE. 

pronounced  fortunate,  who  had  the  happiness  to  have 
the  one  tenth  part  of  his  agency  in  conducting  this  most 
desired  and  desirable  revohuion  to  its  present  successful 
com-pletion  ?  I  say  completion  :  there  let  me  respect- 
fully differ  with  him  ;  for  I  regard  the  revolution  as  now 
complete,  and  the  throne  of  your  majesty  as  now  firmly 
and  forever  established.  I  should  have  continued  silent 
at  the  feet  of  this  unequalled  counsellor,  and  delighted, 
as  in  days  past,  to  learn  lessons  of  wisdom  from  his 
lips,  did  not  zeal  for  your  majesty  impel  me  to  notice 
what  I  think  a  slight  oversight  in  the  proposed  expedi- 
tion against  David.'  Here,  with  a  most  respectful  and 
insinuating  bow  to  the  young  king,  he  said,  '  Thou 
knowest  thy  father,  that  he  is  a  man  of  war,  and  will 
not  lodge  with  the  people.  Your  majesty  has  had  op- 
portunities of  understanding  his  character,  far  beyond 
any  of  your  counsellors,  and  I  am  well  persuaded  you 
have  not  forgotten  the  many  tales  that  interested  and 
delighted  your  childhood,  of  his  artful  escapes  from 
Saul ;  how,  with  untiring  and  interminable  cunning, 
he  outwitted  and  outmanoeuvred  that  persecuting  king, 
with  all  his  wily  advisers,  and  all  the  resources  of  his 
army  and  his  kingdom.  From  city  to  city,  from 
wilderness  to  wilderness,  from  cave  to  cave,  for  the 
space  of  seven  long  years,  was  he  hunted  and  chased 
by  the  unscrupulous  and  insatiable  jealousy  of  Saul ; 
and  yet  all  his  deadly  snares  and  deep-laid  plots  were 
foreseen,  circumvented,  and  frustrated,  so  as  to  result  in 
nothing  but  sheer  disappointment  and  shame ;  and  all 
this,  I  may  add,  in  the  days  of  his  inexperience  and 
youth.  Is  this  the  man,'  said  Hushai,  warming  and 
collecting  confidence  as  the  argument  advanced,  — '  is 


THE     DEBATE.  225 

this  the  man  who  now,  at  a  more  wary  period  of  life, 
and  trained  in  the  lessons  of  ripe  experience,  you  are 
going  to  find  in  the  open  field,  a  mile  or  two  beyond 
the  village  of  Bahnrim,  carelessly  and  thoughtlessly 
exposed  to  be  slain  or  taken  in  a  night  attack  ?  I  doubt 
it,  in  my  inmost  soul  I  doubt  it.  Behold,  he  is  hid 
now  in  some  pit,  or  in  some  other  place  of  secure  con- 
cealment :  and  if  Ahithophel  goes  with  his  twelve  thou- 
sand men,  the  probability  is,  five  hundred  to  one,  he 
will  not  find  him.  And  how  ominous  and  sadly 
changed  will  be  the  aspect  of  our  afl'airs.  if,  after  ex- 
pectation has  been  raised  to  such  a  height  by  this 
expedition,  the  news  must  spread  through  Jerusalem, 
and  through  all  the  multitudes  that  are  collecting  here, 
that  it  is  a  total  failure  ;  and  that  in  the  first  attempt 
at  hostilities,  David  had  out-generalled  and.  over- 
matched all  those  who  have  risen  up  against  him.' 

"  At  this,  Absalom  dropped  his  eyes  on  the  floor, 
raised  his  right  hand  to  his  brow,  and  pressed  it  for  a 
moment,  while  the  princes  of  Judah  looked  one  upon 
another  with  an  air  of  doubt  and  misgiving.  Hushai 
saw  the  impression  he  had  made,  and  assumed  a  bolder 
tone  and  more  resolute  manner. 

"  '  There  was  another  position  assumed  in  favor  of 
the  proposed  hasty  and  hurried  expedition,  from  which 
I  must  beg  leave  strongly  to  dissent.  It  was  said, 
David  will  be  afraid,  and  the  men  that  are  with  him 
w'lWJlij.  It  was  said  that  in  their  retreat  from  the  city, 
there  were  such  marks  of  terror  and  consternation,  that 
no  resistance  is  to  be  expected  if  they  are  attacked  :  his 
attendants  were  styled  a  meagre  handful.  There  is  some 
strange  mistake  here  ;  his  life-guards  are  witli  him,  and 


226 


THE    DKBATK. 


the  renowned  Cherethites  and  Pelethites.  The  Gittites 
that  came  with  him  from  Gath  are  with  him,  those  old 
tried  and  trusty  soldiers.  And,  moreover,  he  had  with 
him  his  far-famed  phalanx  of  mighty  men,  that  are 
admitted  to  have  no  equals  in  the  present  age.  Who 
has  not  heard  of  Jashobeam  the  Tachmonite,  who,  on 
one  battle-field,  with  his  single  spear,  slew  eight  hun- 
dred men  ?  Who  has  not  heard  of  Eleazar,  the  son  of 
Dodo,  before  whom,  in  a  single  day,  three  hundred 
Philistines  fell  ?  Who  has  not  heard  of  the  two  sons 
of  Zeruiah,  Joab  and  Abishai,  and  of  Shammah,  and 
others  almost  their  equals  in  celebrity  ?  There  can- 
not now  be  Avith  David  less  than  twelve  or  fifteen 
hundred  men  ;  —  yes,  and  such  men  as  these. 

"'As  to  the  style  in  which  they  retreated,  I  say- 
again  j  there  is  some  strange  mistake.  I  have  the  best 
authority  for  saying,  that  David  prevailed  with  these 
men  to  retreat,  not  because  he  was  unable  to  offer  re- 
sistance, or  unable  to  defend  the  city,  but  because  he 
was  unwilling  to  endanger  the  life  of  his  own  son,  and 
the  lives  of  his  own  people,  in  a  bloody  battle,  when, 
perhaps,  by  a  little  moderation  and  forbearance,  all  ex- 
isting difficulties  could  be  amicably  compromised.  But 
the  retreat  itself  was  in  perfect  order.  The  life-guards 
led  the  way,  the  Gittites  came  next,  then  the  Chere- 
thites and  Pelethites.  And  as  David  marched  along, 
he  had  on  his  right  hand  the  Tachmonite  and  Abishai, 
and  on  his  left,  the  lion-like  Shammah,  and  Eleazar, 
the  son  of  Dodo,  whilst  Joab  brought  up  the  rear.  Yes, 
Joab  was  the  hindmost  man  in  this  retreat,  and  far  was 
he  from  being  fluttered  or  in  consternation.  All  the 
mighty  men  appeared  calm,  but  it  was  the  calmness 
that  precedes  the  earthquake.' 


THE    DKBATE.  227 

"  '  Although  these  men  retreated  peaceably  at  David's 
request,  they  are  now  full  of  indignation.  I  learn  that 
it  required  all  of  David's  authority  to  prevent  Abishai, 
the  son  of  Zeruiah,  from  outing  off  the  head  of 
Shimei,  the  son  of  Gera,  who  spoke  rudely  and  in- 
sultingly to  the  king  as  he  passed  through  Bahurim. 
Yes,  they  are  now  chafed  in  their  minds,  bitter,  en- 
raged, as  a  bear  robbed  of  her  whelps  in  the  field. 

"  '  Now,'  said  Hushai,  raising  his  voice,  '  with  twelve 
thousand  hastily  recruited  and  undisciplined  men,  it  is 
proposed  to  rush,  in  a  night  attack,  on  this  compact 
body  of  trained,  veteran  warriors,  indignant  and  des- 
perate as  they  are.  And  your  father,  if  found  among 
them,  will  he  afraid!  It  will  be  the  first  time,  yes, 
the  first  time,  in  the  history  of  his  long,  eventful  life. 
If  he  retreated  from  Saul,  it  was  because  he  was  con- 
scientious about  lifting  his  hand  against  the  Lord's 
anointed.  But  was  he  ever  known  to  tremble  before 
an  enemy  of  Israel  ?  Is  it  forgotten  that  he  took  up 
the  challenge  of  Goliath,  and  slew  him,  when  no  other 
man  in  the  twelve  tribes  dared  attempt  it  ?  Is  this  the 
man  that  will  be  afraid!  And  the  men  that  are  with 
him  will  fly  !  Who  ?  who  will  fly  ?  Joab  fly  ?  Abishai 
fly?  Jashobeam  the  Tachmonite,  fly?  Eleazar,  the 
son  of  Dodo,  fly?  Tire  Cherethites  and  Pelethites, 
that  never  yet  lost  a  battle,  fly?  The  valiant  men 
from  Gatli,  that  have  gathered  laurels  on  every  field 
they  have  fought  for  twenty-five  years,  fly  ?  Is  this, 
I  ask,  our  brightest  hope  of  success,  that  these  men 
will  fly  ?  To  eiierish  such  a  hope  is  delusion,  is  mad- 
ness, is  ruin.  Has  God  forsaken  us?  Has  angry 
Heaven  permitted  some  demon  of  destruction  to  come 


228  THE    DEBATE. 

arid  mingle  in  our  counsels,  and  decoy  us  into  a  meas- 
ure like  this,  with  the  delusive  hope  that  these  stern 
warriors  will  fly  ?  Look  for  the  rocks  of  Mount  Zion 
to  fly ! '  he  exclaimed,  raising  his  arm  to  its  utmost 
height ;  '  look  for  the  stream  of  Jordan  to  turn  back, 
and  go  foaming  and  thundering  over  the  loftiest  peaks 
of  Lebanon,  into  the  Sea  of  Tyre  ;  look  for  the  firm 
ordinances  of  day  and  night,  summer  and  winter,  to 
fail  in  their  seasons  ;  but  do  not  look  for  such  men  as 
are  about  David  to  fly,  when  they  hear  the  clash  of 
arms  —  men  who  know  only  to  conquer  ;  men  whose 
sweetest  music  is  the  shout  of  the  onset,  the  din  of  the 
war-strife,  and  the  loud  peal  of  victory.  The  very 
fowls  of  heaven  and  beasts  of  the  earth  know  their 
war-cry,  and  for  twenty-five  years  past  have  followed 
them  through  fields  of  slaughter.  Go  on  this  ill-ad- 
vised, precipitate  expedition,  and  how  many  eyes,  now 
bright  and  beaming  with  hope,  instead  of  greeting  the 
light  of  to-morrow's  morning,  will  be  torn  from  their 
sockets  by  the  crooked  beak  of  the  foul  vulture  or  the 
croaking  raven  !  How  many  hearts,  now  beating  high 
with  patriotic  ardor,  will  be  hurried  into  a  horrid  grave  in 
the  maw  of  the  prowling  wolf  or  the  hungry  hyena  ? ' 
"  Here  there  was  a  ghastly  paleness  in  the  counte- 
nance of  Absalom  and  several  of  the  princes  of  Judah. 
Ephraim  and  Benjamin  v/ere  trembling  as  they  stood. 
Hushai  saw  it,  and  called  aloud,  '  But  where  will  you 
get  soldiers  for  this  expedition?  Who,  that  knows 
David  and  his  men,  will  volunteer  to  go  on  this  mid- 
night assault  ?  Where  is  the  heart  that*will  not  utterly 
melt,  if  summoned  to  go  through  the  darkness  to  storm 
this  den  of  lions  ? ' 


THE    DEBATE.  229 

"Here  Hushai  made  a  pause  of  some  duration. 
This  branch  of  the  argument  had  been  carried  as  far 
as  he  thought  advisable,  and  the  impression  was  clearly 
as  deep  as  he  desired. 

"  And  now,  in  a  mild  and  somewhat  colloquial  style, 
he  proceeded,  '  But  who  is  to  take  the  command  of  this 
expedition?  Who  is  to  reap  the  Itonor,  in  case  it  shall 
prove  successful  ?  Ahithophel  reserves  this  to  himself. 
He  is  distinguished  in  counsel,  though  I  have  not 
learned  that  he  has  been  equally  so  in  war.  There 
may  be  great  talents  for  the  cabinet  where  there  is 
little  for  the  field.  But,'  said  Hushai,  with  some  hes- 
itation, '1  do  not  blame  him.' 

"  Here,"  said  Belial,  "  I  could  observe  a  slight  elevat- 
ing of  the  shoulders,  and  there  played  upon  his  cheek, 
and  about  the  corners  of  his  mouth,  something  that 
approached,  though  it  did  not  fully  amount  to,  a  sar- 
castic smile. 

"  '  I  do  not  blame  him  for  coveting  this  distinction. 
I  should  be  glad  myself,'  said  he,  bowing  most  respect- 
fully to  Absalom,  — '  I  should  be  glad  myself  to  appear 
in  your  com-t,  and  about  your  throne,  during  all  t!ie 
years  of  your  long  and  prosperous  reign,  as  the  man  to 
whom,  of  all  Israel,  you  were  most  indebted  for  your 
kingdom  and  your  crown.  I  should  be  glad  to  have 
my  name  go  down  to  distant  ages,  as  the  renowned 
leader  who  struck  the  main,  decisive  blow  in  this  great 
revolution,  so  rich  and  abundant  in  its  beneficent  bear- 
ings on  the  whole  land.  But  your  majesty  has  called 
us  to  consult  for  the  public  good  ;  and  where  the  public, 
good  is  in  jeopardy,'  he  cried,  with  an  impatient  stamp 
of  the  foot,  and  a  look  of  awful  sternness,   '  confusion 

20 


230 


THE    DEBATE. 


and  perdition  to  all  such  artful,  cunningly  devised 
schemes  for  individual  aggrandizement ! 

"  '  My  decided  opinion  is,  that  where  the  fate  of  the 
whole  nation  depends  on  the  issue  of  a  single  engage- 
ment, the  very  best  talents  should  be  in  the  command 
and  at  the  helm.  I  counsel  thee,  therefore,  that  thou 
go  to  the  battle  in  thine  own  person.  And  let  the 
highest  honor  go  where  it  is  most  certainly  merited. 

"  '  Will  your  majesty  allow  me  to  ask  these  distin- 
guished  princes   a   question    that    much  concerns  us 


now? ' 


"  '  Certainly,'  said  Absalom,  '  certainly.' 
"  '  Princes  of  Judah,'  said  Hushai,  '  are  all  your  peo- 
ple, who  are  willing  to  serve  our  illustrious  king,  already 
here  ?  ' 

"  '  Not  the  half  of  them,'  was  the  reply.  '  To-mor- 
row, by  the  time  the  sun  is  risen,  our  numbers  will  be 
doubled.' 

"  '  Princes  of  Ephraim,  what  say  you  ? ' 
"  '  In  twelve  hours  more,  our  numbers  will  be  four- 
fold,' was  the  answer. 

"  '  Princes  of  Dan,  what  of  the  sons  of  your  tribe  ? ' 
"  '  By  the  going  down  of  the  sun  to-morrow,  twenty 
thousand    Danites,  now  on    their   march,    will  be    at 
Jerusalem.' 

"'And  thus  it  is,'  said  Hushai,  'beyond  all  doubt, 
Avith  every  other  branch  of  the  great  house  of  Israel. 
Let  me  beg,  let  me  implore  you,  illustrious  monarch, 
not  to  be  hurried  by  rash,  precipitate  counsels.  Give 
your  faithful,  zealous  subjects  time  to  rally  around 
your  standard.  Your  popularity,  immense  and  unex- 
ampled, will  bring  all  Israel,  from  Dan  even  to  Beer- 


THE    DEBATE.  231 

sheba,  into  the  ranks  of  your  army,  if  only  the  neces- 
sary time  be  allowed.  And  then,  with  you  for  our 
commander-in-chief,  we  will  pursue  the  dethroned 
king.  So  shall  we  come  upon  him  in  some  place 
where  he  shall  be  found,  and  we  will  light  upon  hini 
as  the  dew  falleth  on  the  ground,  and  of  him,  and  of 
all  the  people  that  are  with  him,  there  shall  not  be  left 
so  much  as  one.  I  wholly  disapprove  of  the  counsel 
that  says,  '  Smite  the  king  only,'  and  leave  all  those 
old  rebel  officers,  that  are  hostile  to  your  majesty,  to 
create  vexation  and  annoyance  in  after  years.  No,  my 
voice  is,  extirpate  them  utterly.  Crush  the  whole 
hornet's  nest  at  once,  and  then  will  your  majesty's 
reign  be  peaceful  and  unmolested. 

" '  As  to  the  apprehension,  that  the  exiled  king,  if  not 
pursued  to-night,  may  get  into  adefenced  city,  and  thus 
become  formidable,  it  is  an  idle  dream  ;  let  him  fly  into 
a  defenced  city,  if  he  thinks  it  will  avail  him.  The  army 
that  follows  your  majesty  will  be  so  numerous,  that 
should  each  soldier  take  one  stone  from  the  wall  of  that 
city  and  throw  it  into  the  river,  there  will  not  be  enough 
left  to  mark  the  place  where  it  stood.  But  now,  in  con- 
clusion,' said  Hushai,  lowering  his  voice,  and  speaking 
in  a  calm,  cautious,  confidential  tone,  '  let  me  frankly  de- 
clare, that  all  depends  on  your  keeping  the  reins  in  your 
own  hand ;  your  honor,  your  crown,  your  kingdom,  your 
lasting  fame  are  all  suspended  here.  Let  no  artifice, 
however  cunningly  proposed,  induce  you  to  commit  that 
command  to  another,  whicli  the  great  house  of  Israel 
have  intrusted  to  you.  1  regret  to  mention  it,  but  the 
necessity  laid  upon  me  is  imperative,  and  fidelity  to  your 
majesty  forbids  that  I  should  be  silent.     Let  me  then 


232  THE    DEBATE. 

say,  that  should  this  command  be  given  to  Ahithophel, 
the  faithful  friends  of  King  Absalom  will  soon  blush 
and  cover  their  faces  with  shame,  when  they  are  com- 
pelled to  hear  the  hints,  and  whisperings,  tliat  will  be 
busily  circulated  through  all  the  multitudes  collected 
here,  "that  there  is  a  power  behind  the  throne  greater 
than  the  throne  ;  "  "  that  our  king  is  only  a  king  in 
name,  a  mere  child  in  leading-strings,  a  feeble  and  flexile 
tool  in  the  hands  of  a  mighty  manager  that  is  behind 
the  curtain  ;  "  "  that  a  certain  great  counsellor,  like 
Abner  with  Ishbosheth,  hath  projected  and  planned  this 
whole  revolution  ;  and  that  it  is  the  popularity  of  the 
counsellor,  not  of  the  king,  that  hath  drawn  these 
immense  masses  of  armed  men  around  Jerusalem."  ' 

"  '  A  word  to  the  wise  is  enough,'  cried  Hushai,  again 
lifting  his  voice  to  a  lofty  key  ;  '  and  well  I  know  that 
your  majesty  will  drive  all  such  idle  and  injurious  delu- 
sions from  the  public  mind,  as  the  whirlwind  drives  the 
dust  from  the  face  of  the  marble.  Let  King  Absalom 
fill  the  throne  himself,  wield  the  sceptre  himself,  com- 
mand his  armies  himself,  and  then  shall  his  kingdom 
prosper  and  prevail ;  all  Israel  will  take  shelter  under 
the  shadow  of  his  throne.  Distant  lands  shall  learn 
his  fame,  and  unborn  generations  shall  embalm  his 
memory  and  rehearse  his  greatness.' 

"  At  the  close  of  this  address,  Absalom  appeared  per- 
fectly lost  in  a  wild  maze  of  contending  emotions. 
Astonishment,  shame,  rage,  seemed  alternately  to  pre- 
vail. At  length  a  venerable  chief,  of  the  house  of 
Ephraim,  arose  and  moved,  as  the  sense  of  the  meeting, 
'  that  the  counsel  of  Hushai  the  Archite  is  better 
than  the  counsel  of  Ahithophel !  ' 


THE    DEBATE.  233 

"  The  decision  was  entirely  unanimous,  and  then 
Absalom,  somewhat  recovered,  in  the  most  public  and 
polite  manner  thanked  Husliai  for  the  light  he  had 
imparted.  '  The  obligation  shall  be  remembered,'  said 
Absalom,  '  and  you  shall  all  see  forthwith  that  I  am 
king,  and  I  am  counsellor.' 

"  Belial,"  said  Beelzebub,  who  now  spoke  out  with 
some  emotion,  "  does  not  the  writer  of  the  Second 
Book  of  Samuel  speak  as  if  the  hand  and  appointment 
of  God  had  some  iaflucnce  in  this  decision  of  Absalom 
and  his  council,  so  fatal  to  all  their  undertaking  !  " 

"  He  does  indeed,"  said  Belial ;  "  his  words  are  these: 
'  For  the  Lord  had  appointed  to  defeat  the  good  counsel 
of  Ahithophel,  to  the  intent  that  the  Lord  might  bring 
evil  upon  Absalom.'  "     (2  Sam.  xvii.  14.) 

''  Come,  come,"  said  Lucifer,  who  now  raised  his 
voice  ;  "  I  dislike  exceedingly  to  hear  such  quotations 
of  Scripture  as  that  ;  no  more  of  it,  go  on  with  your 
historj'',  Belial." 

20* 


234 


AHIMAAZ    AND    JONATHAN. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 

AIIIMAAZ     AND     JONATHAN. 

"  And  now,"  said  Belial,  "  a  scene  of  thrilling  inter- 
est followed  immediately,  on  which  much  depended. 

"  As  soon  as  Hushai  could  quietly,  and  without 
attracting  observation,  escape  from  the  council  chamber, 
he  hurried  to  the  house  of  Abiathar  the  priest.  There 
he  found  Zadok  and  Abiathar  in  earnest  discourse 
about  the  troubles  of  the  times.  He  hasted  to  tell 
them  that  the  designs  of  Absalom  were  desperate  ; 
that  there  were  no  thoughts  of  compromise,  or  ac- 
commodation ;  that  Ahithophel  had  made  a  powerful 
speech,  advising  the  instant  pursuit  of  David,  that  he 
might  be  overtaken  while  weary  and  weak-handed, 
and  slain,  before  his  old  friends  had  time  to  rally  around 
him.     (2  Sam.  xvii.  15,  16.) 

"  '  Slain  ! '  exclaimed  Zadok  and  Abiathar  at  the 
same  moment,  starting  to  their  feet,  in  astonishment ; 
'  Slain  !  is  that  their  bloody  and  horrible  plan  ? '  'I 
employed,'  said  Hushai,  'every  argument  I  could  invent, 
to  procure  some  delay.  I  appealed  to  their  fears,  to 
Absalom's  vanity ;  his  love  of  power  and  personal  dis- 
tinction ;  the  prospect  of  his  army  being  greatly  in- 
creased in  a  day  or  two  ;  and  every  other  motive  within 
the  range  of  my  imagination ;    and    they  have    just 


AHIMAAZ  AND  JONATHAN.  235 

decided  to  wait  till  the  morning  at  least,  before  setting 
out  to  pursue  David.  But  Ahithophel  was  out  of  the 
room  when  the  decision  was  made.  I  fear  he  may 
return,  and  yet  persuade  Absalom  to  let  him  go  to- 
night, and  the  good  old  king  may  be  overtaken  and 
slain  before  the  break  of  day.  Ahithophers  counsels 
are  dark  as  the  grave,  and  deadly  as  perdition.  Now, 
therefore,  send  quickly  and  tell  David,  saying,  "  Lodge 
not  this  night  in  the  plains  of  the  wilderness,  but 
speedily  pass  over  Jordan,  lest  the  king  be  swallowed 
up,  and  all  the  people  that  are  with  him." ' 

" '  But,'  said  Zadok,  '  if  Absalom's  designs  are  so 
bloody,  our  lives  are  in  danger.  If  he  sees  the  least 
symptoms  of  our  being  favorable  to  David,  we  shall 
find  no  mercy.' 

"  'Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz,'  said  Husliai,  'are  now  at 
Enrogel,  near  the  gate  of  the  city :  send  word  to  them, 
and  they  will  take  it  to  David.'     (2  Sam.  xvii.  17.) 

"  *  Bat  who  dares  to  go  ? '  said  Zadok :  '  the  gates  are 
guarded,  and  if  you,  or  1,  or  Abiathar  are  seen  passing 
out  on  such  an  errand,  it  is  certain  death.' 

"'Alas!  alas!'  exclaimed  Abiathar,  'and  our  dear 
sons,  Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz,  if  they  should  be  discov- 
ered where  they  are  now,  waiting  for  tidings  to  carry 
to  David,  their  lives  will  be  sacrificed  to  the  vengeance 
of  Absalom.' 

"  '  God  of  mercy,  help  us  ! '  exclaimed  Zadok.  'Ab- 
salom must  know  that  they  both  left  him  at  Hebron, 
and  have  declared  for  David.  He  will  be  transported 
with  rage,  and  doom  them  to  instant  death ! ' 

"  '  I  see,'  said  Hushai,  'their  imminent  peril,  and  the 
peril  of  David,  and  the  kingdom  ;  and  yet  what  can  we 


236 


AHIMAAZ    AND    JONATHAN. 


do  ?  For  one  of  us  to  attempt  to  go  is  absolute  death  ; 
and  if  they  and  David  do  not  receive  warning,  they 
will  certainly  be  slain.' 

''  Zadok  and  Abiathar  walked  the  room,  wringing 
their  hands,  while  convulsive  sobs,  mingled  with 
prayers  to  Heaven,  burst  from  their  agonized  bosoms. 
Hushai  sat  with  eyes  fixed  on  the  floor,  and  seemed 
perfectly  at  fault.  Counsellor  as  he  was,  renowned  for 
astonishing  resources,  and  long  skilled  in  stemming 
the  most  formidable  tides  of  adverse  influence,  he 
seemed  to  have  met  with  an  overmatch  now.  Dark 
shades  of  desperate  intellectual  eff'ort  rushed  over  his 
manly  countenance,  and  his  strong  frame  was  agitated 
as  he  looked  now  at  the  danger  of  David,  now  at  the 
ruin  of  the  kingdom,  and  now  at  the  peculiar  hazard 
of  the  two  interesting  and  adventurous  youths,  Ahim- 
aaz  and  Jonathan,  and  saw  no  possible  plan  for  act- 
ing in  their  behalf  Every  moment  was  precious ;  and 
yet,  turn  which  way  he  would,  a  gloom  was  before  him 
like  the  midnight  of  despair. 

"  At  this  juncture,  a  low  and  tremulous  female  voice 
was  heard  at  the  door  of  a  small  room  adjoining  the 
apartment  where  they  were  in  consultation,  calling  to 
Abiathar, '  Father !  father  ! '  It  was  the  voice  of  Tamar, 
the  daughter  -of  Abiathar.  She  had  been  in  her  room 
when  Zadok  and  Abiathar  came  together.  Presently 
Hushai  entered,  the  door  of  her  little  chamber  was 
slightly  ajar,  and  she  had  overheard  all  their  conversa- 
tion. Jonathan  was  her  beloved  brother,  and  Ahimaaz 
her  intimate  acquaintance,  who  had  recently  declared 
to  her  the  deep  devoted  affection  he  had  long  cherished 
in  his  heart,  which,  suffice  it  to  say,  had  met  with  no 


AHIMAAZ  AND  JONATHAN.  237 

repulse.  Modest,  bashful,  and  timid,  even  beyond  her 
equals  in  age,  — for  she  was  not  above  seventeen,  — yet 
hearing  of  the  danger  of  her  brother  and  Ahimaaz,  her 
soul  was  roused  to  all  the  energy  that  characterizes 
woman  in  the  hour  of  danger,  and  she  called  her  father 
to  the  door. 

''Abiathar  hastily  obeyed  the  summons,  'Tamar, 
my  daughter,  are  you  here  ? ' 

"  '  Did  you  say  brother  Jonathan  is  exposed  by  being 
at  Enrogel  ? ' 

"  '  Exposed !  My  dear,  his  life  and  the  life  of  Ahimaaz 
is  in  peril  every  moment,  till  they  are  warned  to  fly. 
Absalom  and  Ahithophel  are  resolved  to  kill  King 
David  and  all  his  friends.     Alas !  what  shall  we  do  ? ' 

" '  Father,  I  can  go  and  tell  them  to  fiy.' 

'^ '  But  the  gates  are  guarded;  we  cannot  pass.' 

"  '  But  I  can  pass  them,  father ;  the  guards  know  me 
well ;  they  let  m%  pass  as  often  as  I  please,  going  to 
and  from  the  house  of  Phinehas  the  Levite  at  Bahurim.' 

"  '  That  will  do  ! '  said  Hushai,  springing  to  his  feet ; 
'  that  will  do,  bring  her  in,  bring  her  in.  Thanks  to 
the  God  of  Abraham,  there  is  hope  yet.' 

"  Abiathar  hastily  led  her  into  the  apartment.  She 
was  delicate  and  slender,  and  extremely  youthful  in 
appearance  :  on  her  cheek  the  rose  had  now  mounted 
above  the  lily,  that  usually  predominated  there  ;  but  her 
manner  was  firm,  and  her  step  elastic  and  light  as  that 
of  the  nimble  fawn  on  the  lofty  ridges  of  Carmel. 
Hushai  took  her  eagerly  by  the  arm  :  '  My  child,  has- 
ten with  all  your  might  to  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan  ;  tell 
them  to  escape  to  David,  and  warn  him  to  fly  to  Jordan, 
and  cross  the  river,  if  possible,  by  the  break  of  day ;  tell 


238  AHIMAAZ    AND    JONATHAN. 

him  to  speed  his  way  to  Mahanaim,  in  the  tribe  of 
Gad  ;  few  of  them  have  joined  in  the  rebellion.  Tell 
him  Absalom  and  Ahithophel  are  intent  on  his  death, 
and  I  fear  they  will  pursue  and  overtake  him  before 
the  morning  light.' 

"  The  door  opened,  and  Tamar  left  the  room.  Down 
the  street  she  glided,  like  a  meteor  through  the  gather- 
ing gloom.  The  guards  were  in  the  act  of  closing  the 
gates,  but  suffered  her  to  pass  after  bandying  a  few  play- 
ful words ;  and  on  she  tripped,  with  a  fluttering  heart, 
toward  the  Fuller's  Fountain.     (2  Sam.  xvii.  17.) 

"  Our  narrative  now,"  said  Belial,  "  returns  to  Absa- 
lom. When  the  vote,  at  the  close  of  Hushai's  speech, 
had  settled  the  question  that  David  would  not  be  pm*- 
sued  till  more  forces  were  assembled,  the  council  was 
dissolved,  and  many  of  the  nobles  of  Jerusalem  left 
the  hall.  Their  houses  were  crowded  with  acquaint- 
ances from  all  quarters,  now  collected  in  the  city. 
Absalom,  however,  still  remained.  Newly  arrived 
princes  had  sought  the  council-chamber :  with  these 
he  must  be  familiar,  and  each  put  in  drafts  upon  his 
time,  and  he  still  continued  to  follow  up  his  election- 
eering arts,  so  that  the  number  in  the  council-chamber 
was  yet  considerable. 

"  '  The  revolution  goes  bravely  on,'  said  a  powerful 
chief  from  Mount  Ephraim,  who  had  but  recently  come. 

"  '  Bravely,  bravely,'  answered  Absalom. 

"  '  I  understand  that  the  old  king,'  said  the  chief,  'has 
fled  without  striking  a  blow  ;  and  that  all  Jerusalem  is 
unanimous  for  your  majesty.' 

"  '  Unanimous,'  said  Absalom  ;  '  and  from  the  coun- 
try they  are  pouring  in.  thousands  on  thousands.' 


AHIMAAZ    AND    JONATHAN.  239 


II  i 


How  do  the  priests  go  ? '  inquired  the  chief. 

"  '  O,  with  me,'  said  Absalom,  '  decidedly  with  me  — 
all  of  them.' 

"  '  Except  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan,'  said  an  old  citi- 
zen of  Jerusalem,  who  was  standing  by. 

" 'Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan  are  with  me,'  said  Absa- 
lom, turning  on  the  last  speaker,  with  a  look  that  bor- 
dered on  a  frown  ;  '  we  have  been  friends  from  boyhood.' 

"  '  Your  majesty  is  mistaken,'  said  the  old  man  firmly  j 
'  they  are  certainly  with  David.' 

" '  Did  I  not  see  them  at  Hebron  ? '  said  Absalom,  rather 
more  sternly.  '  Indeed,  I  took  them  with  me  from  Jeru- 
salem in  the  very  beginning  of  our  glorious  enterprise.' 

"  '  But  they  have  left  you.' 

"  '  How  ?  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan !  Left  me,  you  say  ? ' 

"  '  Certainly,  they  have  left  you.  The  moment  your 
standard  was  erected  in  Hebron,  and  your  purpose  pro- 
claimed, Ahimaaz  mounted  the  swiftest  horse  he  could 
procure,  and  rode  at  full  speed  all  the  way  to  this  city, 
and  was  the  first  who  gave  the  alarm  to  David  and  his 
friends.  Jonathan  followed  immediately,  and,  I  learn, 
was  the  first  to  inform  David  that  Ahithophel  had  de- 
clared for  you.' 

"  '  Base  dogs ! '  exclaimed  Absalom,  grinding  his 
teeth  in  a  transport  of  fury  ;  '  they  shall  feel  my  ven- 
geance, my  hottest  and  heaviest  vengeance.' 

"  '  They  have  left  their  fathers  and  you,  and  gone 
with  David.' 

"  '  No,  they  have  not  gone  with  David,'  said  a  forward 
lad  of  fifteen,  who  had  just  entered  the  room,  and  now 
spoke  up  :  one  of  those  prying  and  inquisitive  boys  who 
always  share  largely  in  any  excitement   that  is  going 


240  AHIMAAZ    AND    JONATHAN. 

on  ;  try  to  be  every  where,  to  see  every  thing,  to  know 
all  that  is  doing,  and  are  always  ready  to  speak,  no 
matter  who  the  hearers  may  be.  '  They  have  not  gone 
with  David ;  they  are  out  here  now  at  the  Fuller's 
Fountain.'    (2  Sam.  xvii.  18.) 

"  '  At  the  Fuller's  Fountain  ?  '  said  Absalom  :  '  what 
on  earth  are  they  doing  there  ?  ' 

"  '  Why,'  said  the  boy,  '  when  David  left  the  city,  I 
went  along  a  while,  to  see  what  he  and  his  mighty  men 
were  going  to  do  ;  and  when  he  was  more  than  half  way 
up  the  Mount  of  Olives,  Jonathan  came  running  to  him, 
his  face  very  pale,  and  said,  '  Ahithophel  is  among 
the  conspirators  with  Absalom ; '  and  David  seemed 
greatly  frightened,  and  prayed  a  little  while,  and  then 
called  Jonathan  to  him,  and  whispered  something  in  his 
ear ;  and  then  he  whispered  to  Ahimaaz,  and  they  both 
turned  back  to  the  city.  I  could  not  think  what  it 
could  be  that  David  said  to  them  ;  but  I  noticed  they 
did  not  come  into  the  city  gate,  but  turned  off  to  the 
old  building  Enrogel,  or  the  Fuller's  Fountain.  Directly 
I  heard  the  men  with  David  say  that  you  would  soon 
be  in  sight  on  the  Hebron  road.  So  I  turned  back  to 
see  you  and  your  men  come  to  the  city.  But  when  I 
came  down  the  mountain,  you  were  not  yet  in  sight, 
and  I  thought  I  v/ould  go  and  see  what  Jonathan  and 
Ahimaaz  could  be  about  at  that  old  building.  I  found 
them  standing  behind  some  rubbish  in  one  corner  of  a 
waste  room.  They  appeared  not  to  wish  me  to  see 
them.  But  I  said  nothing,  and  they  said  nothing; 
and  presently  I  heard  your  trumpets,  and  then  I  came 
away  ;  but  I  suppose  they  are  there  yet.' 

"  '  ^SJ}les  !  '    exclaimed   a  stout  Danite  officer,  who 


AHIMAAZ    AND    JOxNATHAN.  241 

had  had  some  experience  in  the  arts  and  stratagems  of 
war ;  '  spies,  most  unquestionably  !  They  are  waiting  to 
find  out  our  plans  and  intentions,  and  then  they  will 
carry  the  intelligence  to  David.' 

"  '  But  how,'  said  Absalom,  '  will  they  discover  our 
plans  ?  —  they  out  at  Enrogel,  and  afraid,  no  doubt,  to 
come  into  the  city  ? ' 

"  '  Poh !  poll ! '  said  the  Danite :  '  David  has  friends  in 
the  city  by  the  dozen,  by  the  hundred,  that  will  send 
them  word,  and  they  will  take  it  to  him ;  that  is  the 
arrangement,  as  sure  as  there  is  a  cedar  on  Lebanon.' 

"  *  By  the  God  of  Geshur,'  said  Absalom,  'I  will 
make  it  dear  spying  to  them,  the  false  villains !  Here, 
Ben  Huppim,'  to  the  Danite,  '  take  twenty  of  your 
best  horsemen,  and  your  swiftest  horses,  and  take  this 
boy  to  show  you  where  they  are  ;  dash  off  immediately, 
and  surround  the  building,  and  hew  them  to  pieces,  or 
take  them  alive.' 

"  '  Had  we  not  better  go  on  foot  ?  '  said  Ben  Huppim. 

" '  On  foot  ? '  said  Absalom :  '  no,  take  your  horses,  your 
best  horses  ;  they  are  as  swift  as  two  wild  antelopes.  I 
have  raced  with  them  often  when  we  were  boys  together. 
Ahimaaz  particularly,  his  fame  is  everywhere,  through 
all  this  mountain  country  :  give  him  three  paces  the 
start,  and  there  is  not  a  man  between  Jordan  and  the 
great  sea  that  can  catch  him.'    (2  Sam.  xviii.  27.) 

"  The  Danites  were  mounted  and  gone  in  brief  space. 
And  Absalom  stood  soliloquizing:  'Spies!  ah.  indeed, 
and  friends  of  David  in  the  city  sending  him  intelli- 
gence of  our  affairs  !  I  will  put  a  stop  to  that  forthwith  ! 
Here,  Carmi !  '  to  one  of  the  princes  of  Judah :  '  have  the 
guards  at  the   gate  doubled  ;    proclaim  it  as  the  king's 

21 


242  AHIMAAZ  AND  JONATHAN. 

order  that  neither  man  nor  woman  shall  go  out  or  in 
but  by  my  special  command.' 

"  Tamar  in  the  mean  time  had  delivered  her  message 
to  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan,  and  they  had  put  off  at  full 
speed  to  warn  David.  Tamar  was  standing,  and  by 
the  light  of  the  moon,  which  had  just  attained  its  first 
quarter,  was  looking  after  them  as  they  ran,  and  offering 
up  prayers  to  Heaven  for  their  safety,  and  the  safety  of 
David,  —  when  the  clatter  of  the  Danite  horsemen  was 
heard  as  they  rushed  from  the  gate  of  the  city  towards 
the  Fuller's  Fountain.  As  they  came  nearer  and 
nearer,  she  dropped  among  some  shrubbery,  as  the 
timid  partridge  when  the  broad  shadow  of  the  eagle 
is  seen. 

''  The  Danites  galloped  up  and  surrounded  the  build- 
ing. Ten  of  them  sprung  from  their  saddles  to  search 
the  house,  while  ten  remained  on  horseback  to  watch 
without,  reigning  up  their  mettled  horses,  and  ready  for 
pursuit.  Their  leader  entered  the  house,  addressing  at 
the  same  time  the  objects  of  his  pursuit,  not  doubting 
but  that  they  were  present :  '  Ha,  Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz, 
lads,  are  vou  here  ?  Rather  dark  and  uncomfortable 
quarters  you  have  selected  in  these  brisk  times  ;  come, 
we  are  going  to  mend  your  boarding.  What  !  no  an- 
swer ?  Look  round  in  that  dark  corner,  Beriah  ;  do  you 
find  them  ?  no  one  there  ?  gone  ?  ah,  gone  ?  To  horse  ! 
to  horse !  and  pursue  the  spies  ;  Ave  will  catch  them 
yet.'  The  Danites  were  mounted  in  the  twinkling  of 
an  eye,  and  away  they  went,  shouting,  '  Hurrah  for  the 
revolution  !  Down  with  old  David  !  Hurrah  for  Ab- 
salom !  Hurra  for  Ben  Huppim !  Absalom  and  Ben 
Huppim  forever  ! '     Thus  they  swept  like  a  hurricane 


AHIMAAZ    AND    JONATHAN.  243 

up  the  sides  of  the  Mount  of  Olives,  and  were  soon 
beyond  the  summit. 

"  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan  were  approaching  the  village 
of  Bahurim,  when  they  heard  this  tempest  of  pnrsuit 
roaring  behind  them.  Finding  that  they  must  be  over- 
taken, they  ran  into  the  house  of  Phinehas  the  Levite, 
and  said  to  his  wife,  '  Hide  us,  hide  us !  our  lives 
are  in  danger!  instantly!  instantly!'  (2  Sam.  xvii. 
18.) 

"Now,"  said  Belial,  "it  is  chai-acteristic  of  a  woman 
in  all  ages,  that,  in  an  extremity,  her  mind  acts  quick  — 
she  will  think  at  once  of  the  very  best  thing  that  can 
be  done.  She  will  hit  in  a  moment  on,  perhaps,  the 
very  expedient  which  a  man  would  adopt,  if  you  gave 
him  five  minutes  to  study  about  it.  Phinehas  the 
Levite  had  in  his  court  a  well ;  there  were  small  cir- 
cular steps  going  down,  for  the  family  kept  milk,  and 
butter,  and  such  articles  there  as  they  wished  to  pre- 
serve from  the  heat  of  the  day.  As  soon  as  the  woman 
had  heard  the  hurried  request  of  the  two  young  priests, 
she  pointed  to  the  well.  Ahimaaz  darted  in,  followed 
by  Jonathan.  The  woman  hastily  put  a  covering  on 
the  well,  spread  a  cloth  over  the  covering,  and  then 
spread  meal  over  the  cloth,  as  if  for  the  purpose  of  dry- 
ing, or  giving  it  the  benefit  of  the  fresh  air.  This  was 
all  done  in  a  moment.  The  keen  eye  of  Ben  Hup- 
pim,  ever  the  foremost  of  his  troop,  had  caught  several 
glimpses  of  the  two  young  men  before  they  loft  the 
main  road.  But  he  distinctly  saw  them  when  they 
turned  off  and  ran  into  the  house  of  Phinehas  the  Le- 
vite. Certain  of  his  victims  now,  he  threw  the  reins 
to  a  soldier,  bade  a  number  of  his  men  follow  him,  and 


244 


AHIMAAZ    AND    JONATHAN. 


entered  tlie  house  with  a  drawn  sword  in  his  hand. 
Finding  nothing  there  but  a  woman  and  some  terrified 
children,  he  looked  around  with  impatience  and  disap- 
pointment, and  demanded,  — 

"  '  Where  are  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan  ?  I  saw  them 
run  into  this  house.'     (2  Sam.  xvii.  20.) 

"  '  They  are  gone  over  the  water,'  said  the  woman, 
pointing  toward  a  brook  that  ran  beyond  the  house. 

"  Ben  Huppim  fixed  his  eye  sternly  on  her  for  a 
second  or  two,  as  if  he  did  not  more  than  half  believe 
what  she  said ;  but  there  was  no  quailing  of  the  eye,  or 
dropping  of  the  countenance  with  her.  She  returned 
his  angry  gaze  by  looking  him  full  and  steadily  in  the 
face,  seeming  the  meanwhile  entirely  careless  and  un- 
moved in  view  of  his  irritation  and  disappointment. 
He  bade  his  men  to  search  the  house.  It  was  soon 
done,  for  the  building  was  not  large  ;  but  nothing  could 
be  found.  They  saw  that  meal  spread  out  there  to  dry, 
but  never  dreamed  that  there  might  be  a  well  under  it, 
containing  the  objects  of  their  search. 

"  Ben  Huppim  now  called  out,  '  To  horse  !  '  They 
remounted,  passed  over  the  brook,  and  galloped  up  and 
down  for  half  an  hour  in  the  direction  the  woman  had 
pointed,  then  gave  up  the  chase,  and  turned  back  for 
Jerusalem.  As  he  was  repassing  the  house  of  Phine- 
has  the  Levite,  Ben  Huppim  reined  up  his  horse,  and 
said,  in  a  voice  loud  enough  to  be  distinctly  heard, 
'  Should  I  yet  find  that  those  spies  have  been  concealed 
here,  I  will  scourge  this  family  for  trifling  with  the 
majesty  of  Absalom.  I  will  make  this  house  a  monu- 
ment of  his  wrath.'  He  then  resumed  his  retreat.  As 
soon  as  he  Avas   out    of   hearing,   the  woman  called 


AHIMAAZ  AND  JONATHAN.  245 

Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan  up  out  of  the  well,  and  away 
they  ran  to  give  the  warning  to  David. 

"  It  was  mentioned,"  said  Behal,  "  that  at  the  ap- 
proach of  Ben  Huppim's  party  to  Enrogel,  Tamar  hid 
among  some  shrubbery.  She  remained  perfectly  still 
and  undiscovered,  till  they  had  finished  their  search  of 
the  building  at  Enrogel,  and  dashed  off  in  the  pursuit, 
over  the  top  of  the  mountain.  She  then  arose  and 
hastened  back  toward  the  gate,  hoping  that  through 
her  acquaintance  with  the  guard,  she  would  be  allowed 
to  pass  and  return  home.  On  drawing  nigh,  how- 
ever, she  discovered  quite  a  number  of  mounted  men 
before  the  gate,  who  seemed  to  be  in  some  confusion. 
They  were  Absalom's  friends  just  arrived  from  the 
country.  Tamar  paused  at  a  little  distance,  and 
heard  the  watchman  tell  them,  '  No  admittance  to- 
night. King  Absalom  has  so  commanded.  You  must 
remain  without  till  the  morning.'  Tamar  now  saw 
that  her  own  situation  was  somewhat  awkward.  To 
return  home  was  impossible  —  to  be  discovered  might 
be  dangerous.  But  Tamar,  though  young  and  deli- 
cate, had  a  firm,  courageous  heart.  Early  in  life  she 
had  read  the  history  of  the  remarkable  preservation  of 
Joseph  in  Egypt ;  of  Moses  in  the  ark  of  bulrushes  ; 
and  of  the  spies  that  Joshua  sent  to  Jericho,  who  were 
hid  by  Rahab.  Indeed,  before  she  was  even  able  to 
read,  she  had  a  very  great  fondness  for  narratives  of 
this  kind ;  and  used  to  importune  and  almost  tease  her 
father  to  tell  her  tales  of  days  gone  by.  Abiathar 
would  take  her  up  on  his  knee,  during  the  long  winter 
nights,  and  rehearse  how,  when  he  was  a  youth,  Doeg, 
the  Edomitc,  the  wicked  armor-bearer  of  persecuting 

21* 


246  AHIMAAZ  AND  JONATHAN. 

Saul,  had  come  to  his  father's  house,  and  killed  his 
father  and  all  his  brothers  ;  that  in  one  day  that 
unmerciful  man  put  to  death  eighty-five  persons  that 
wore  the  sacred  garments,  and  the  city  in  which  they 
dwelt  was  by  him  laid  in  ruins.  He  would  tell  her 
how,  when  his  father  and  all  his  brothers  were  killed, 
he  escaped  and  fled  to  David ;  and  how  he  was  with 
David  Avhen  he  was  pursued  and  his  life  sought  by 
jealous  and  tyrannical  Saul.  He  would  tell  her  how 
they  were  chased,  sometimes  through  the  fields  and 
sometimes  through  the  forests,  and  hid  themselves, 
now  in  caves  and  now  among  the  mountains  ;  how 
they  prayed  to  the  God  of  Israel  to  preserve  and  de- 
liver them ;  how  he  always  heard  their  prayers,  and 
always  opened  for  them  a  way  of  escape,  until,  at  last, 
Saul  was  overthrown  by  the  hand  of  the  Philistines  ; 
and  David,  by  the  providence  of  God,  was  brought  to 
the  throne. 

"  These  and  similar  sketches  of  Israel's  history  had 
made  a  deep  and  lasting  impression  on  the  mind  of 
Tamar  ;  and  while  there  was  a  cast  of  romance  in  her 
character,  a  strong  and  unwavering  confidence  in  God 
was  firmly  planted  in  her  heart.  This  was  of  great 
importance  to  her  now.  Finding  all  access  to  the  city 
cut  off  for  the  present,  she  resolved  at  once  to  go  to 
Bahurim,  and  spend  the  night  at  the  house  of  Phinehas 
the  Levite. 

'•  She  had  passed  the  mountain  top,  and  began  to  de- 
scend, when  she  heard  the  returning  party  of  Danites, 
under  the  command  of  Ben  Huppim.  She  slipped 
quietly  from  the  road,  behind  some  olive-trees,  and 
listened  eagerly  if  she  could  learn  the  result  of  their 


AHIMAAZ    AND    JONATHAN.  247 

pursuit.  Their  horses  were  now  climbing  slowly  up 
a  steep  and  rugged  part  of  the  ascent. 

"  '■  Captain.'  said  the  rough  voice  of  a  soldier,  <  I 
think  now,  ten  to  one,  but  those  two  traitor  spies  that 
ran  before  us  so  tremendously  over  these  rocks  and 
rough  places,  were  hid  somewhere  about  that  house 
we  searched,  after  all.' 

"  •'  Pshaw  !  Beriah  ! '  said  Ben  Huppim ;  '  be  ashamed 
of  yourself  Would  you  dispute  the  word  now  of  that 
handsome  woman,  so  modest,  so  gentle,  so  pleasant, 
notwithstanding  we  rushed  rudely  into  her  house,  with 
drawn  swords,  and  ripped  and  tore  through  every 
room,  scaring  the  children  almost  to  death,  and  turning 
"every  thing  in  the  house  upside  down.  A  fine-looking 
woman,  was'nt  she  ? ' 

"  '  Ah,  captain,'  said  Beriah,  '  you  are  an  old  soldier. 
But  take  my  word  for  it,  just  let  a  woman  alone  for  sly, 
cunning  management  in  a  pinch.  She  was  a  little  too 
modest,  a  little  too  gentle,  a  little  too  pleasant  and 
good-humored,  to  be  just  as  ignorant  as  she  pretended 
about  that  whole  matter.  You  know,  captain,  still 
water  is  often  deep.' 

"  '  That's  you,  Beriah,'  answered  the  captain,  '■  that's 
you,  always  suspicious  and  surmising  evil — think  every 
body  as  bad  yourself  A  real  Danite,  every  inch  of 
you.  Good  old  grandfather  Jacob's  description  of  the 
Danite,  fits  you  as  the  scabbard  fits  the  blade — "A  ser- 
pent by  the  way,  an  adder  in  the  path,  that  biteth  the 
horse's  heels,  so  that  his  rider  shall  fall  backwards." 
(Gen.  xlix.  17.)  Ride  on,  men!  ride  on;  let's  reach 
the  city.' 

"  So  away  went  Ben  Huppim  and  his  party.     But 


248  AHIMAAZ    AND    JONATHAN. 

this  rough  and  brief  dialogue  took  a  mighty  burden 
from  the  mind  of  Tamar.  '  Bless  the  name  of  the 
Lord,'  she  said  in  her  heart ;  '  Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz 
have  escaped  them  ;  '  and  with  a  light  and  bounding 
heart,  she  glided  down  the  mountain  side,  and  soon 
entered  the  house  of  Phinehas  the  Levite. 

"  '  Of  all  sights,  Tamar,  can  this  be  you  ?  and  at  this 
time  of  night  ? '  exclaimed  Phinehas,  as  she  shot  into 
the  room,  and  threw  herself  into  a  seat  that  was  farthest 
from  the  door. 

"  '  Yes,  praise  to  the  God  of  Israel,  I  am  here  safe 
at  last,'  answered  Tamar. 

"  '  Ay,  as  safe  as  the  spies  of  Joshua  were  in  Jericho,' 
rejoined  Phinehas,  who,  having  a  strong  spice  of  humor 
in  his  composition,  I  might  almost  say  playfulness, 
though  now  somewhat  apprehensive  and  uneasy,  could 
not  altogether  restrain  his  ruling  passion.  '  But,  Tamar, 
what  new  flare-up  of  old  Beelzebub  is  this  you  have  in 
Jerusalem  ?     Have  princes  and  people  all  run  crazy  ? ' 

"  '  Why,'  said  Tamar,  '  Absalom  and  Ahithophel  have 
determined  to  kill  David.  Ahithophel  has  counselled 
Absalom  to  pursue  after  David  to-night,  that  he  may 
be  slain,  before  his  friends  can  have  time  to  gather  and 
defend  him.' 

"  '  Shocking  ! '  exclaimed  Phinehas.  '  Is  Absalom  so 
horribly  wicked  as  to  wish  to  kill  his  old  father  ?  I 
thought  there  was  hope  of  the  whole  matter  being 
compromised,  and  settled  without  bloodshed.' 

"'No  hope  at  all  of  that  now,'  answered  Tamar. 
*  Ahithophel  told  Absalom  that  he  will  never  be  safely 
seated  on  the  throne  while  David  is  alive ;  that  the 
surest  policy  is  to  kill  him,  and  the  quicker  the  better.' 


AHIMAAZ  AND  JONATHAN.  249 

"  '  Did  you  say  they  will  pursue  after  David  to-night  ? ' 
"  '  That  was  Ahithophel's  counsel,'  said  Tamar.  '  But 
Husliai  told  father,  that  he  made  the  strongest  speech 
in  his  power  to  persuade  Absalom  to  put  it  off  for  a 
day  or  two  till  more  of  his  friends  could  be  collected, 
for  that  Joab  and  Abishai  would  fight  like  lions  for 
their  uncle's  life,  and  they  had  a  great  many  mighty 
men  with  them,  and  if  he  rushed  on  them  before  he 
was  ready  with  a  strong  army,  he  might  be  defeated.' 

'■'  'Ah,'  said  Phinehas,  '  Hushai  wanted  to  gain  time 
for  David.     The  old  fox,  how  cunning  ! 

••  Gossips,  you  know,  have  a  saying  in  store  — 
♦  He  that  masters  a  lawyer  has  only  one  more. ' "  ' 

" '  But  Hushai  did  not  know  whether  Absalom 
would  follow  his  counsel  or  Ahithophel's,'  said  Tamar. 

"'But,  Tamar,'  said  Phinehas,  'what  set  Jonathan 
and  Ahimaaz  to  racing  through  the  country  at  such  a 
rate  ?  They  ran  through  here  as  if  they  thought  all 
Absalom's  army  was  after  them.' 

"  '  They  were  concealed  at  Enrogel,'  said  Tamar, 
'  to  find  out  Absalom's  plans,  and  carry  the  news  to 
David.  I  went  and  told  them  to  fly  and  tell  David 
what  Ahithophel  had  counselled  against  him.  It  was 
well  I  went  when  I  did,  for  they  were  not  out  of  sight, 
when  Absalom's  men  galloped  up  and  surrounded  the 
house  where  they  had  been.  But  Ahimaaz  said  they 
were  just  going  to  start  when  I  came,  for  that  boy,  Ira 
the  Kenite  had  been  there  looking  about,  and  had  seen 
where  they  were  hid,  and  they  were  every  moment 
afraid  he  would  tell  it  to  Absalom,  or  to  some  of  his 
friends.' 


250  AHIMAAZ  AND  JONATHAN. 

"'That  gimlet-eyed  little  Kenite,'  said  Phinehas, 
'  was  he  there  ?  Never  fear  for  him :  he  must  see  and 
know  all  that  is  going  on  :  he  is  in  his  element  now, 
no  doubt.' 

"  '  O,  he  had  told  it,  I  know  ;  for  the  Danites,  when 
they  came  to  Enrogel,  had  him  along,  and  he  showed 
them  the  place  where  he  had  seen  Ahimaaz  and  Jona- 
than ;  but  when  they  could  not  be  found,  the  Danites 
galloped  oiF,  and  left  him  there.' 

'' '  That  was  fortunate,'  said  Phinehas :  '  had  they 
brought  him  along,  we  should  all  have  been  detected. 
You  would  never  have  got  him  away  from  the  house, 
without  having  a  peep  into  that  well.  But,  Tamar, 
how  came  you  to  be  sent  to  Enrogel  ?  Was  there  no 
stouter  messenger  in  so  rough  a  time  as  this  ? ' 

"  '  Hushai,  and  Zadok,  and  father,  all  said  they  dare 
not  go,  for  it  would  be  instant  death  if  Absalom  found 
any  one  favoring  David  ;    but  I  — ' 

"  '  Wife  !  wife !  do  you  hear  that? '  ejaculated  Phin- 
ehas. '  What  do  you  think  of  your  share  in  this  busi- 
ness ? ' 

'"Why,  husband,  do  you  think  they  take  notice  of 
us?' 

"  '  Take  notice !  ah,  indeed  will  they,  and  be  as  bit- 
ter as  vipers.  Did  you  not  hear  the  threat  of  Ben 
Huppim  on  his  return  ?  Yes,  all  we  have  done  will  be 
publicly  known  before  morning.  We  must  fly.  Our 
only  hope  is  to  try  to  reach  David's  party,  and  escape 
with  them  beyond  Jordan.' 

"  We  must  now,"  said  Belial,  '■  leave  this  family  in 
the  midst  of  their  apprehensions  and  projects  for  safety, 
in  order  to  notice  the  condition  of  David." 


THE    RETREAT.  251 


CHAPTER   XX. 

THE    RETREAT. 

•' Ahithophel,  as  usual,  had  judged  with  unerring 
correctness  the  exact  state  of  David's  mind,  and  his 
exposed  situation.  The  storm  had  burst  upon  him  so 
suddenly,  and  wave  after  wave  of  calamities,  heavy 
and  horrible,  had  rolled  over  him,  till  his  spirit  was 
bent  to  the  earth,  and  he  had  made  no  attempt  to  con- 
ceal himself,  in  case  he  should  be  pursued,  or  to  resist 
in  defence  of  his  life.  He  looked  upon  himself  as  un- 
der the  rebuke  of  God  ;  and  now  he  prayed  for  pardon- 
ing mercy,  and  now  he  thought  of  Absalom's  ingrati- 
tude and  guilt.  Yet  in  the  midst  of  these  gloomy 
meditations,  he  cherished  hopes,  sometimes  stronger  and 
sometimes  weaker,  but  still  hopes,  that  Absalom  would 
relent,  and  send  after  him  a  message  of  peace,  and  that 
all  things  could  be  adjusted  without  the  dire  necessity 
of  a  resort  to  arms.  Joab,  however,  seeing  his  uncle 
in  an  agony  of  mental  distress,  quietly  put  the  men  in 
order  at  the  place  where  they  had  halted,  stationed  a 
sufficient  guard  at  a  proper  distance,  and  himself  walked 
silently  back  and  forth,  at  a  little  distance  within  the 
line  of  sentinels,  ready  in  case  the  worst  should  come. 

"  All  was  now  still  ;  and  as  the  dark  mantle  of  night 
began  to  cover  hill  and  valley,  prince  and  peasant,  the 
tranquillity  of  the  scene  imparted  a  soothing  influence 


252  THE    RETREAT. 

to  the  harassed  and  agonized  mind  of  David.  It  had 
long  been  his  habit,  at  the  closing  hour  of  day,  to  lift 
up  his  heart  and  voice  in  praise  to  God.  Standing 
now  under  a  spreading  and  stately  palm,  his  faithful 
adherents  ranged  around,  in  a  low  and  subdued  tone, 
he  chanted  the  following 

HYMN. 

T. 

•  Cease,  cease,  my  tears,  to  flow, 

Cease,  cease,  my  heart,  to  moan ; 
Look  up,  my  sotil,  to  Zion's  hill. 
The  great  Jehovah'3  throne. 

n. 

•  No  earthly  storm  or  flood, 

Though  fierce  it  rave  and  tear, 
Can  shake  the  dwelling-place  of  God, 
Or  spread  confusion  there. 

III. 

•  Long  ere  the  world  began. 

Serene  he  dwelt  on  high  ; 
And  long  his  blessed  throne  shall  stand, 
When  earthly  kingdoms  die. 

IV. 

•  The  sun  liimself  shall  fade, 

The  starry  worlds  shall  fall ; 
Yet,  through  a  vast  eternity, 
Shall  God  be  all  in  all. 

V. 

'  Though  now  his  ways  are  dark, 

Concealed  from  mortal  sight, 

His  counsels  are  divinely  wise, 

And  all  his  judgments  right. 


THE    RETREAT.  253 

VI. 

♦  In  God  my  trust  shall  stand, 

"While  waves  of  sorrow  roll ; 
In  life  or  death  his  name  shall  be 
The  refuge  of  my  soul. 

VII. 

*  Cease,  cease,  my  tears,  to  flow, 

Cease,  cease,  my  heart,  to  moan  ; 
Betide  what  may  to  me,  I'll  say, 
Ilis  holy  will  be  done.' 

"  At  the  close  of  this  hymn,  David  addressed  Ittai 
the  Gittite,  who  was  standing  close  by  his  side. 

"  '  I  think,  my  dear  and  long-tried  friend,  that  surely 
Absalom,  when  he  finds  the  palace,  and  throne,  and 
kingdom  all  left  to  him,  and  no  attempt  at  resistance, 
will  relent,  and  send  us  a  message  of  peace.' 

'•  '  You  would  consent,'  said  Ittai,  '  to  allow  him  a 
share  of  the  throne  and  kingdom,  during  your  declin- 
ing days,  if  that  would  content  him?  ' 

"  '  Willingly,  most  willingly,'  answered  David  :  '  he 
is  the  undisputed  heir  to  the  kingdom  ;  and  so  far  as  is 
consistent  with  the  public  good,  I  would  gladly  roll  a 
portion  of  its  burdens  on  him  ;  for,  Ittai,  I  grow  weary 
of  the  cares  and  distractions  of  public  life.' 

"  '  He  will  certainly  be  satisfied  with  such  an  arrange- 
ment as  that,'  said  Ittai,  '  and  I  fondly  hope  all  will  yet 
go  well.' 

"  '  O,  had  I  but  known  his  wishes  sooner,  all  this 
disgrace  and  agony  of  soul  might  have  been  avoided  ; 
but  Ittai,  on  that  dark  cloud  we  are  contemplating, 
there  is  one  spot  so  frightfully  black,  that  I  shudder 
while  I  look  upon  it.' 

22 


254  THE    RETREAT. 

"  '  What  is  that,  my  lord,'  said  Ittai,  with  much 
concern, 

''  'Ahithophel.' 

"  '  He  was  long  your  friend,'  said  Ittai. 

"  'Ah,  but  it  is  otherwise  now,  and  he  would  not 
have  come  out  so  publicly,  unless  he  meant  to  drive 
matters  to  the  very  worst  extremity,  and  also  had  the 
strongest  assurance  that  his  counsel  would  be  followed.' 

"  '  But  the  princes  of  Judah,  my  lord,  are  there  in 
great  numbers ;  they  will  certainly  resist  violent  meas- 
ures ;  many  of  them  have  stood  well  affected  towards 
you.' 

"  '  I  have  more  confidence  in  Hushai  the  Archite,  ten 
times  over,  than  in  all  the  princes  of  Judah ;  but  such 
are  the  awful  talents  of  Ahithophel,  and  such  will  now 
be  his  vindictiveness,  that  unless  God  interposes,  by 
some  special  providence,  he  will  work  our  ruin.' 

"  The  tread  of  footmen  was  now  heard  at  a  dis- 
tance, which  seemed  to  approach  with  great  rapidity : 
nearer,  and  yet  nearer,  it  came,  when  a  sentinel  on 
guard  called  out,  — 

"  '  Who's  there  ? ' 

"  '  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan,'  was  the  reply. 

"'  Come  on,'  said  Joab,  who  was  walking  near  the 
sentinel :  '  have  you  tidings  for  the  king  ?  ' 

"  '  Where  is  the  king  ?  '  said  Ahimaaz. 

"  '  Under  that  palm-tree,'  said  Joab. 

"  '  Fly,  my  lord,  fly  for  your  life !  '  cried  Ahimaaz. 
'  Ahithophel  has  urged  Absalom  to  pursue  you  to- 
night, and  kill  you  before  you  are  ready  to  defend 
yourself!  ' 

"  '  Alas  ! '  cried  David,  '  is  that  their  ann  ?    Ah,  Ahith- 


THE    RETKEAT.  255 

ophel !  Ahitliophel !  I  knew  your  designs  were  deadly. 
Poor,  poor,  deluded  Absalom !  ' 

"  '  Is  it  your  pleasure,  my  lord.'  said  Joab,  '  that  I 
should  draw  up  our  men  and  await  their  onset  ?  Re- 
gard them  but  as  grass  at  the  edge  of  the  mower's 
scythe,  before  the  servants  of  your  majesty.' 

"  *  O,'  exclaimed  David,  '  we  must  not  resort  to  blood- 
shed now.  Deranged  as  they  surely  are,  desperate  and 
driven  on  by  the  devil  and  Ahithophel,  they  are  still 
my  people.  And  Absalom,  O,  my  dear,  wretched  son  ! 
You  will  break  my  heart.  Ahimaaz,  did  you  see  Hu- 
shai  the  Archite  ? '  '      " 

"  '  No,  my  lord,'  answered  Ahimaaz ;  '  but  he  sent  you 
word  to  escape  with  all  possible  speed  beyond  Jordan, 
and  take  refuge  in  the  strong  city  of  Mahanaim.  The 
gathering  storm,  he  says,  is  tremendous.' 

"  '  We  will  take  the  counsel  of  Hushai,'  said  David. 
'  Fly,  soldiers,  fly  ! ' 

"  '  Hushai  is  no  warrior,'  said  Joab  ;  '  I  would  regard 
them  as  the  rock  regards  the  chaff  driven  from  a  sum- 
mer threshing-floor.  But  your  order,  my  lord,  shall  be 
obeyed  at  once.' 

"  This  was  Joab's  first  and  only  retreat,  in  the  history 
of  a  long  and  brilliant  military  career.  A  new  chapter 
in  the  book  of  discipline  was  demanded  here,  yet  a 
moment  proved  that  he  had  it  perfectly  by  heart.  His 
loud,  commanding  voice  now  roused  the  little  army. 

"  '  Soldiers,  attention  !  To  the  Jordan  road  !  Gittites, 
to  the  front !  Ittai,  place  the  king  in  the  centre  of  your 
men.  I  need  not  mention  the  value  of  the  treasure 
you  guard.  Abishai,  take  Jashobcam  the  Tachmonite, 
Eleazar  the  son  of  Dodo,  with  the  thirty  mighty  men, 


256  THE    RETREAT. 

and  put  yourselves  close  around  the  king's  person. 
Life-guards!  fall  back  behind  the  men  from  Gath. 
Cherethites  and  Pelethites !  my  good,  tried  fellow-sol- 
diers, come  with  me  to  the  rear;  and  now,'  said  he,  in 
a  lower  tone,  '  if  they  attack  us,  show  yourselves  men ! ' 

"  Then  lifting  his  voice  to  be  heard  the  whole  length 
of  the  line,  he  gave  the  word  of  command.  '  Quick 
time  !  forward,  march  !  ' 

"  Away  swept  the  column  of  armed  men,  like  the 
tide  of  a  river  swollen  by  the  rains  of  heaven,  steady, 
strong,  silent,  swift  —  onward,  onward ;  winding  with 
the  windings  of  the  road ;  now  curving  to  the  right  to 
shun  the  rough  rock  that  stood  there ;  now  bending  to 
the  left,  to  avoid  the  yawning  ravine  ;  now  meandering 
among  the  tall  forest  trees  —  onward,  onward,  onward  ; 
now  rushing  down  the  steep ;  now  stretching  across  the 
plain ;  now  shooting  up  the  ascent ;  now  pouring  over 
the  comb  of  the  ridge  —  onward,  onward,  onward.  The 
hope  of  Israel  was  in  their  flight,  the  life  of  the  king, 
the  safety  of  the  church  —  onward,  onward,  onward. 
Deep  silence  reigned  along  the  line  ;  profound  stillness 
was  over  the  valley,  lake,  and  hill,  as  if  nature  held 
her  breath  in  the  intense  interest  of  the  hour  —  on- 
ward, onward,  swept  the  column.  The  moon  sunk 
behind  the  distant  mountains.  Night  threw  a  darker 
mantle  over  their  pathway,  while  the  broad,  blue  heaven, 
with  all  its  starry  eyes,  gazed  upon  them,  mute,  atten- 
tive, and  beautiful.  Onward,  onward,  swept  the  column. 
For  three  long  hours  not  a  word  had  been  v/hispered : 
at  length  tall,  scattering  trees  were  seen,  and  lights 
glimmered  before  them — ^it  was  the  stars  on  an  ex- 
tended sheet  of  water.    '  Halt ! '  cried  the  voice  of  their 


THE    RETREAT.  257 

commander.  And  the  little  army  stood  on  the  bank 
of  the  Jordan, 

"  '  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan  ! '  said  Joab  ;  <  man  the  boat 
with  rowers.  Put  the  king  and  people  over  with  all 
possible  despatch.  Rear  guard  !  form  a  line  !  To  the 
right  about,  face!  stand,  lest  the  foe  should  yet  appear.' 

"  Stout  rowers  manned  the  boat,  and  the  river  being 
calm  at  this  hour,  company  after  company  was  placed 
with  great  rapidity  on  the  opposite  shore. 

"  The  deep  silence  which  had  reigned  so  long  was 
now  broken  only  by  the  creaking  and  groaning  of  the 
oars,  and  the  dash  of  the  disturbed  waters,  as  strong 
fears,  mingled  with  hopes  of  escape,  caused  the  boat  to 
shoot  like  an  arrow,  now  to  this  shore  and  now  to  that. 

"  The  gray  of  the  morning  had  appeared,  or  rather 
the  dawn  was  distinct,  when  Joab  and  the  last  of  the 
Pelethites  stepped  out  of  the  boat  on  the  Gilead  side 
of  the  river. 

''  The  transportation  of  the  party  was  now  complete. 
The  immediate  danger  was  considered  as  past.  And 
David  and  the  body  of  the  people  were  taking  some 
scanty  refreshments  where  they  had  halted,  at  a  little 
distance  from  the  river.  But  Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz, 
who  had  superintended  the  crossing  of  the  company, 
were  still  at  the  brink  of  the  stream,  when  a  loud  call 
was  heard  on  the  opposite  side  at  some  distance  from 
the  bank. 

"  '  The  boat !  the  boat !  bring  over  the  boat.' 

"  They  looked,  and  saw  a  man  advancing  with  huge 
and  hasty  strides ;  two  women  mounted,  the  one  with 
a  child  in  her  lap,  the  other  with  a  little  girl  behind  her, 
while  two  small  boys,  riding  a  mule,  completed  the  party. 

22* 


258  THE    RETREAT. 

"  '  Ah,  more  refugees,  in  these  squally  times,'  said 
Ahimaaz  :    '  who  can  they  be  ? ' 

"  '  The  foremost,'  said  Jonathan,  '  strongly  resembles 
our  man  Phinehas  the  Levite,  of  Bahurim.  But  where 
can  he  have  picked  up  those  women  and  children  ? ' 

"  '  One  of  them,'  said  Ahimaaz,  looking  very  steadily, 
'  is  certainly  Tamar,  your  sister,  and  the  other,  beyond 
doubt,  is  the  good  wife  of  Phinehas  —  the  little  boys, 
the  babies,  and  all.' 

"  '■  Success  to  them ! '  ejaculated  Jonathan  :  '  I  will  call 
back  the  rowers,  and  bring  them  over.' 

"  '  Instantly,'  said  Ahimaaz  :  '  they  are  flying  for  their 
lives.  Their  kindness  to  us  has  brought  them  into 
danger.' 

"  The  boat  was  over  by  the  time  the  party  had  gained 
the  top  of  the  bank.  Ahimaaz  ran  up  to  help  the  women 
to  dismount,  while  Jonathan  stood  by  the  rowers  as 
they  held  the  boat  to  the  shore, 

" '  Why,  Phinehas,'  said  Ahimaaz,  '  what  in  the 
world  has  started  you  in  this  style  ? ' 

" '  Put  me  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,'  answered 
Phinehas,  '  and  I  will  tell  you.' 

"  The  wife  of  Phinehas,  accustomed  to  live  among 
the  mountains,  remote  from  any  large  body  of  water, 
looked  upon  the  bold  and  rapid  stream  with  some  mis- 
giving and  trepidation. 

"  '  Do  you  think,  Jonathan,'  said  she,  '  that  the  boat 
is  entirely  safe  ?  Is  there  no  danger  of  its  sinking  ?  I 
was  always  afraid  of  water.' 

"  '  Step  in,  step  in,'  said  Jonathan  ;  '  perfectly  safe. 
They  take  over  loaded  wagons  and  camels  every  day.' 

<'  The  little  sons  of  Phinehas  were  greatly  delighted  at 


THE    RETREAT.  259 

the  sight  of  so  large  a  river,  and  expressed  their  wonder 
as  they  looked  up  and  down  its  broad  channel,  while  the 
care  and  anxiety  of  the  mother,  lest  they  should  fall  in 
and  be  drowned,  was  very  characteristic.  She  con- 
tinned  giving  hasty  admonitions  and  directions,  some- 
times to  the  children,  and  then  to  their  father,  till  the 
boat  had  gained  the  eastern  bank  of  the  river. 

"  '  Now,  Phinehas,  for  your  history,'  said  Ahimaaz, 
when  they  were  all  safely  landed.  '  What  was  it  that 
started  you  in  this  style,  and  in  the  dead  hour  of  the 
night  ? ' 

"  Phinehas  now  experienced  that  pleasing  reaction  of 
mind  which  ensues  when  alarming  dangers  are  past  and 
over,  and  he  freely  indulged  in  that  humorous  and  play- 
ful style  that  generally  characterized  his  conversation. 

"  '  Our  little  town  of  Bahurim,'  said  he,  '  during  the 
afternoon  and  earlier  part  of  the  night,  was  agitated 
and  tossed  with  commotions  as  though  we  had  dwelt 
on  the  side  of  some  volcanic  mountain.  In  the  first 
place,  our  good  old  king  took  a  singular  trip  through 
our  principal  street,  late  in  the  afternoon  ;  and  what 
astonished  us  the  morn,  he  was  taking  his  excursion  on 
foot.  In  the  second  place,  a  great  man  of  our  town, 
Shimei,  the  son  of  Gera,  by  name,  moved  by  the  pres- 
ence of  royalty,  undertook  to  give  his  majesty  a  speci- 
men of  our  proficiency  in  the  fine  arts,  particularly  in 
the  department  of  oratory.  He  was  edifying  the  king 
with  an  eloquent  oration,  which  abounded  in  certain 
historical  references,  when  Abishai,  the  son  of  Zeruiah, 
became  suddenly  very  anxious  to  make  a  display  of  his 
skill  in  another  department  of  the  arts,  that  is,  in  the 
department  of  surgery.     All  he  asked  was  the  royal 


260  THE    RETREAT. 

sanction,  in  order  to  effect  what,  he  maintained,  wonld 
be  a  decided  improvement  in  the  location  of  Shimei's 
head.  The  good  king,  however,  discouraged  the  pro- 
posed surgical  operation,  on  the  ground  that  his  mind 
was  not  clear  as  to  its  propriety  in  the  case  of  the 
polite  and  eloquent  Shimei. 

"'While  we  were  admiring  these  singular  events, 
two  young  men,  who  shall  be  nameless,  without  the 
idle  ceremony  of  knocking  at  the  door,  very  familiarly 
presented  themselves  as  guests  in  my  parlor.  This  ex- 
cellent wife  of  mine,  renowned  all  through  Bahurim 
and  the  neighborhood  for  her  tact  in  killing  two  birds 
with  one  stone,  to  accommodate  her  guests,  and  save 
herself  the  trouble  of  spreading  a  table  for  their  re- 
freshment, showed  them  into  the  apartment  where  she 
keeps  her  cream,  milk,  and  butter,  that  they  might  help 
themselves ;  but,  woman-like,  in  her  attention  to  the 
claims  of  appetite,  she  did  not  neglect  those  of  dress 
and  external  appearance  ;  and  as  powdering  is  all  the 
fashion  now  among  the  quality,  she  used  up  a  fine  grist 
of  meal  for  the  benefit  of  her  two  visitors.  Scarcely 
were  these  arrangements  completed,  when  a  certain 
Ben  Huppim,  and  eighteen  or  twenty  Danites,  politely 
called  upon  us.  and  appeared  as  hungry  for  an  inter- 
view with  the  two  guests  who  had  entered  the  house 
before  them,  as  the  seven  lean  and  famished  cattle  that 
Pharaoh  saw  in  his  dream,  were  for  an  acquaintance 
with  the  fat  and  well-favored  kine  that  came  up  from 
the  river  before  them.  My  prudent  and  judicious  wife 
declined  acting  as  mistress  of  ceremonies  on  this  occa- 
sion, and  very  plainly  intimated  to  Ben  Huppim  and 
his  party,  that  as  our  house  was  not  large,  if  they  would 


THE    RETREAT.  261 

go  farther  they  might  fare  better.  The  Danites,  how- 
ever, decHiied  leaving  the  house  until  they  had  made 
ail  accurate  examination  of  the  extent  of  our  accom- 
modations ;  they  overset  all  of  our  furniture,  leaving 
scars  and  mai'ks  of  violence  on  almost  every  ai'ticle 
they  touched. 

"  '  Yet  all  this  -while  neither  did  King  David  himself, 
nor  Abishai,  nor  the  two  young  men,  nor  the  Danites, 
deign  to  throw  any  more  light  on  these  strange  pro- 
ceedings, than  the  magicians  and  astrologers  of  Egypt 
did  on  the  dreams  of  Pharaoh  before  mentioned.  At 
length,  however,  an  interpreter  appeared,  as  young,  as 
wise,  and  if  some  people's  opinion  be  consulted,'  glan- 
cing his  eye  toward  Ahimaaz,  '  far  more  beautiful  than 
the  expounder  of  dreams  who  stood  before  Pharaoh. 
This  genuine  Joseph,  or  Josephine,  I  should  say,  unrid- 
dled the  whole  matter.  From  her  interpretation  we 
learned,  like  the  chief  baker  in  prison,  that  our  heads 
were  in  danger.  At  this  moment  our  good  neighbor 
Zachariah  came  iu  and  informed  us,  that  the  notable 
orator,  Shimei,  the  son  of  Gera,  had  watched  our  house 
after  the  Danites  had  departed,  to  see  if  the  two  myste- 
rious young  men  would  not  be  forthcoming.  He  stated 
to  Zachariah  that  the  Danites  were  scarcely  out  of 
hearing,  when  he  saw  two  men  leaving  the  house  with 
great  rapidity ;  he  was  confident  they  must  be  the  two 
spies,  but  that  they  had  changed  their  raiment  for  the 
purpose  of  disguise,  for  their  robes  were  dai'k  when  they 
entered  the  house,  and  in  their  retreat,  by  the  moon- 
light, they  appeared  remarkably  white.  lie  was  not 
apprised  of  the  free  use  my  wife  had  made  of  her  meal. 

"  '  Zachariah  further  stated,  that  he  thought  we  were 


262 


THE    RETREAT. 


in  danger,  for  he  was  confident  Shimei  would  try  to 
recommend  himself  to  Absalom,  by  giving  him  infor- 
mation of  what  we  had  done.  Now,  as  Tamar  had  told 
us  that  a  famine  was  coming,  and  no  promise  of  seven 
years'  plenty  preceding  it,  and  as  all  the  meal  we  had 
on  hand  was  fairly  disposed  of,  we  at  once  concluded 
it  was  expedient  to  come  over  and  sojourn  for  a  time 
in  this  plentiful  land  of  Gilead.  I  regret,  however,' 
said  Phinehas,  '  that  I  cannot  honor  and  reward  my 
interpreter,  as  liberally  as  King  Pharaoh  did  his,  by 
bestowing  the  office  of  governor  over  all  the  land. 
However,  over  a  part  of  the  population  I  think,'  giving 
another  glance  at  Ahimaaz,  'the  dominion  will  be  as 
complete,  and  I  trust  far  more  lasting  and  happy,  than 
that  of  the  great  patriarch  in  Egypt.' 

"  '  Phinehas,'  said  Ahimaaz,  '  if  you  talk  in  riddles  at 
this  rate,  you  should  take  an  interpreter  with  you 
wherever  you  go.' 

"  '  I  would  gladly  do  so,'  said  Phinehas,  '  but  I  am  a 
peaceable  man,  and  have  all  my  life  been  careful  to 
avoid  lawsuits,  and  in  this  case,  I  am  aware  of  a  cer- 
tain adverse  claim,  that  I  am  sure  will'be  pressed  with 
great  earnestness  and  perseverance,  and  I  believe  I  shall 
not  attempt  to  resist  it.' 

'' '  Enough,  enough,'  said  Ahimaaz  ;  '  that  will  do  for 
your  history.  Come  along  and  give  your  greeting  to 
the  king.' 

"  During  this  speech  of  Phinehas,  Tamar  sometimes 
blushed,  sometimes  smiled,  and  sometimes  looked  an- 
other way,  and  seemed  not  to  understand  ;  but  now 
she  accompanied  the  family  of  Phinehas  to  join  the 
circle  which  surrounded  the  king." 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM.  263 


CHAPTER   XXI. 

SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM. 

"We  must  now,"  said  Belial,  "  return  to  Jerusalem, 
and  notice  the  progress  of  matters  there.  When  Ben 
Huppim  and  his  party  reached  the  gate,  they  were  told 
no  admittance  could  be  obtained  before  the  morning. 
Though  somewhat  disappointed,  he  was  not  displeased  ; 
for  his  success  in  the  pursuit  of  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan 
had  been  such,  that  he  was  not  very  anxious  for  the 
opportunity  of  giving  in  his  report  to  the  king.  The 
Danites,  therefore,  eddied  about  for  a  few  minutes  in 
the  confused  whirlpool  of  eager  adventurers  that  now 
"wheeled,  and  boiled,  and  tossed  its  turbulent  billows 
before  the  gate  of  the  city.  They  then  drew  off  a 
little  way,  dismounted,  and  prepared  to  pass  the  night. 
The  voice  of  one  standing  near  them,  in  the  dark,  now 
addressed  their  leader  in  a  familiar  style,  that  seemed 
to  claim  acquaintance. 

"  '  Did  you  catch  them  ? '  said  the  voice. 

"  '  Catch  whom  ? '  replied  Ben  Huppim. 

" '  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan,'  said  the  voice,  '  after 
whom  you  ran  your  horses  so  rapidly  over  the  Mount 
of  Olives  ? ' 

"  '  Who  arc  you  ? '  inquired  Ben  Huppim. 

"  '  Ira  the  Kenitc,  the  boy  that  was  your  guide  to 
Enrogel,'  was  the  reply. 


264  SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM. 

"  This  inquisitive  and  curious  lad  had,  in  common 
with  others,  been  intercepted  in  his  return  to  the  city. 
He  had  caught  a  ghmpse  of  Tamar  as  she  returned 
from  Enrogel  toward  the  gate,  and  also  when  she 
started  in  the  direction  of  Bahurim.  He  had  made  no 
attempt  to  speak  to  her,  though  he  shrewdly  suspected 
the  errand  that  had  brought  her  there.  But  he  had 
found  ample  and  admirable  employment  for  his  curios- 
ity among  the  newly-arrived  companies  before  the  gate, 
after  the  proclamation  of  the  king's  order.  There 
were  among  them  a  number  of  Reubenites  from  be- 
yond the  river.  Among  these  he  had  picked  up  the 
news  of  the  progress  and  prospects  of  the  revolution 
in  their  quarter  of  the  kingdom.  In  the  general,  he 
had  learned  that  only  a  part  of  the  tribe  of  Reuben 
was  willing  to  espouse  the  cause  of  Absalom,  and  that 
it  was  thought  that  almost  the  whole  of  Manasseh,  and 
the  entire  tribe  of  Gad,  would  positively  refuse  to  give 
any  countenance  to  the  rising  against  David.  The 
martial  character  of  the  sons  of  Gad,  at  this  period, 
stood  very  high.  It  was  proverbial  through  the  coun- 
try, that  '  their  faces  were  like  the  faces  of  lions,  and 
they  were  as  swift  as  the  roes  upon  the  mountains.' 
The  busy  and  inquiring  mind  of  Ira  had  been  theoriz- 
ing and  forming  conjectures  as  to  the  probable  result 
in  case  David,  who,  he  knew,  had  fled  in  that  direction, 
should  reach  the  land  of  Gilead,  and  gather  around  him 
the  sons  of  Gad  and  Manasseh.  His  speculations 
were  broken  off  by  the  arrival  of  the  Danite  pursuers, 
and  his  curiosity  took  a  new  direction,  and  caused  the 
question  to  Ben  Happim  above  mentioned. 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM.  265 

"  <  I  was  anxious  to  know,'  said  he,  '  whether  you 
had  caught  them  or  not.' 

"  '  Caught  them  ? '  said  Ben  Huppim  :  '  no  ;  they  ran 
like  the  ostrich  over  the  desert.' 

"  '  You  got  in  sight  of  them,  then  ?  '  said  the  boy. 

"  '  O,  yes,  we  saw  them  distinctly  more  than  once.' 

"  '  Could  not  your  horses  gain  on  them  ? '  said  the  boy, 

"  '  O,  yes  ;  but  when  we  were  like  to  overtake  them, 
they  ran  into  a  house,  and  we  lost  them,  and  could  get 
a  sight  of  them  no  more.' 
■    "  '  What  house  was  that  ?  '  said  the  boy. 

"  '  In  Bahurim,'  said  Ben  Huppim,  'at  this  end  of  the 
town.' 

"  '  What,  the  first  house  on  the  right  hand  side  as 
you  enter  the  town  ? ' 

"  '  Yes,  the  very  house.' 

"  '  Ah,  that  was  the  house  of  Phinehas  the  Levite,' 
said  the  boy.  '  They  are  great  friends  to  the  families 
of  Zadok  and  Abiathar,  always  visiting  back  and  forth. 
Wliat  did  Phinehas  say  of  the  two  young  men  ? ' 

"  '  The  man  of  the  house  was  not  there,'  said  the  cap- 
tain.   We  only  saw  the  woman  and  some  children.' 

" '  She  is  the  wisest  woman  in  Bahurim,'  said  the 
boy:  '  they  say  she  is  a  very  good  woman  too;  but  she 
would  do  all  in  her  power  to  save  Ahimaaz  and  Jon- 
athan.    What  did  she  tell  you  about  tliem  ? ' 

"  '  She  said  they  ran  through  the  house,'  replied  the 
captain,  '  and  she  pointed  over  the  brook  of  water  as 
the  direction  in  which  they  had  fled  ;  but  though  we 
pursued  them  rapidly,  we  could  see  them  no  more.' 

" '  O,  she  did  not  want  you  to  catch  them.  She 
would  try  to  fool  you  by  |iii(iuig   you  on  u  false  scent, 

23 


266  SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM. 

as  the  hunters  say.    I  question  if  she  had  not  hid  them 
somewhere,  after  all.' 

" '  No,  but  we  searched  the  house  very  carefully,' 
said  the  captain.  '  I'm  too  old  a  soldier  to  neglect  that 
for  the  say-so  of  a  woman,  and  let  her  out-general  me.' 

"  '  You  searched  the  house  thoroughly,  you  say  ? ' 

"  '  Thorouglily,'  replied  the  captain.  '  I  am  sure  they 
were  not  there.' 

"'Now,  captain,'  said  Ira,  'if  you  had  not  left  me 
when  you  galloped  off  from  Enrogel,  in  such  a  hurry, 
I  could  have  found  them  if  they  were  any  where  in 
that  house,  or  about  it.  But  I  do  not  care  ;  they  never 
did  me  any  harm ;  only  I  would  like  to  know  where 
they  were  hid.  I  had  a  notion  to  run  after  you  over 
the  hill  just  to  see  what  luck  you  would  have  in  the 
chase.  But  you  were  scarcely  started  when  I  saw  a 
strange  sight,  that  turned  my  attention  quite  another 
way.' 

"  '  Ah,'  said  the  captain,  '  what  strange  sight  was  to 
be  seen  at  that  time  and  place  ? ' 

"  '  I  saw  something  white  as  a  sheet  among  the  shrub- 
bery near  the  old  building  you  surrounded  and  searched. 
Just  as  you  were  out  of  hearing,  it  began  to  move,  and 
went  towards  the  gate  of  the  city.  But  the  loud  talk 
between  the  guard  and  the  Reubenites  just  arrived, 
stopped  it,  and  after  pausing  for  a  minute  or  so,  it  glided 
off  up  the  Mount  of  Olives,  in  the  direction  of  Bahurim. 
I  could  see  it  when  a  great  way  up  the  mountain.  I 
had  a  notion  to  speak  to  it  once  or  twice,  when  it  was 
near  me.  But  I  was  a  little  afraid,  and  so  I  did  not 
speak  to  it  at  all.  It  was  just  about  the  size  of  Tamar, 
the  sister  of  Jonathan,  and  it  looked  like  her ;  so  I  went 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM.  267 

to  the  gate,  and  the  soldiers  were  talking  with  the  peo- 
ple at  the  outside,  and  I  asked  if  Tamar,  tlie  daugliter 
of  Abiathar,  had  come  out  lately.  And  tliey  said  she 
had,  about  the  time  they  were  shutting  the  gate,  and 
that  she  was  out  yet.  Then  I  began  to  think  that  she 
might  have  heard  somehow  that  Ahithophel  wanted  to 
pursue  after  David,  and  kill  him  to-night,  and  she  had 
come  to  tell  Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz  to  go  and  warn 
him  to  fly.  Perhaps  she  thought  also  that  the  two 
young  men  themselves  were  in  danger,  for  I  think, 
from  some  things  I  have  noticed,  she  would  be  nearly 
as  sorry  to  have  Ahimaaz  killed  as  Jonathan.' 

"  <  And  do  you  think,'  said  Ben  Huppim,  to  whom 
this  was  all  new  and  strange,  '  that  she  had  warned 
those  two  spies  to  fly  before  we  reached  tho  place  ?  ' 

"  '  Exactly  so,'  said  the  boy:  '  she  had  told  them  all, 
and  that  is  the  reason  they  were  gone.' 

"  '  The  little  mischief-making  witch! '  said  Ben  Hup- 
pim :  '  if  I  had  caught  her,  I  would  have  made  her 
smoke  for  meddling  with  other  people's  matters.' 

"  '  Other  people's  matters,'  answered  the  boy  :  '  no 
such  thing.  Jonathan  is  her  own  brother,  and  Ahimaaz 
—  But  you  would  not  have  hurt  her,  captain  ;  she  looks 
so  young  and  innocent,  you  could  not  have  found  it  in 
your  heart  to  hurt  her.' 

"  Here  the  conversation  was  interrupted  by  a  loud, 
earnest  dialogue,  at  the  gate  of  the  city,  between  the 
guard  and  some  one  without,  impatient  and  vociferous 
to  obtain  entrance. 

"  'No  admittance  to-night,'  said  the  olTicor  in  com- 
mand ;  '  the  king  has  forbidden  us  to  open  the  gates  but 
by  his  order.' 


268 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM. 


"  '  But  I  must  enter,'  said  the  importunate  applicant. 
'  I  have  an  important  errand  to  King  Absalom.' 

"  '  On  what  subject  ?  '  demanded  the  officer. 

"  '  It  is  for  the  king's  own  ear,'  said  the  man  without. 

" '  But  I  must  know  something  of  its  importance,' 
answered  the  officer,  '  before  I  will  venture  to  disturb 
the  king  at  this  hour  of  the  night.' 

"  '  My  message  must  be  delivered  to  King  Absalom 
in  person,'  said  the  persevering  candidate  for  admis- 
sion. 

"  '  Who  are  you  ?  '  demanded  the  officer. 

"  '  Shimei,  the  son  of  Gera,  of  Bahurim,'  was  the 
answer. 

"  '  Well,  Shimei,  the  son  of  Gera,'  said  the  guard, 
'  you  can  certainly  tell  me  so  much  of  the  nature  of 
your  business  with  the  king,  that  I  can  judge  whether 
it  is  my  duty  to  have  him  disturbed  at  this  hour 
or  not.' 

"  '  It  is  of  the  two  traitor  spies,'  said  Shimei,  '  if  you 
must  know,  that  were  here  picking  up  news  to  carry 
to  David.' 

''• '  That  indeed  !  that  is  good,'  said  the  officer.  '  The 
Danites  have  just  reported  that  they  had  escaped. 
Here,  Zimri,  hasten  to  the  palace,  and  let  the  king 
know,  that  one  of  his  faithful  servants,  Shimei,  the 
son  of  Gera,  of  Bahurim,  has  caught  the  two  spies, 
Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz,  and  has  them  here,  and  waits 
his  majesty's  orders  concerning  them.' 

"  '  No,  that's  not  it,'  said  the  agitated  voice  of  Shimei. 
'  I  wished  to  tell  the  king  that  I  saw  them.' 

"  '  Saw  them  !  '  exclaimed  the  ollicer ;  '  is  that  all  :  I 
thought  you  had  them  safe.' 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM.  2G9 

"'I  saw  them,'  said  Shimei,  'as  they  ran  from  Ba- 
hurim,  after  the  Dauites  had  returned  from  the  search.' 

"  '  And  did  you  not  pursue  them  ? '  asked  the  officer. 

"  '  Did  I  not  pursue  two  wild  pigeons  on  the  wing  ! ' 
exclaimed  Shimei,  impatiently:  'why,  you  must  be 
crazy.  Would  you  have  a  man  of  my  age,  and  loaded 
with  flesh  as  I  now  am,  to  attempt  to  run  after  Ahim- 
aaz,  —  when  it  is  universally  known,  that  give  him  a 
fair  field,  and  there  is  not  a  youth  within  forty  miles 
of  Jerusalem  that  can  catch  him  ?  and  the  chance  of 
catching  Jonathan  is  not  much  better.  What  I  wished 
to  tell  King  Absalom  is  this.  I  know  the  house  where 
they  were  hid,  and  who  it  was  that  hid  them,  and  they 
are  no  friends  to  King  Absalom ;  for  I  saw  the  two 
spies  running  from  the  house  after  the  Danites  re- 
turned.' 

"  '  Pshaw  ! '  said  the  officer  ;  '  that  is  quite  another 
matter.  I  will  let  the  king  take  his  nap  out.  Crazy 
or  not  crazy,  I  shall  hardly  rouse  him  at  midnight 
without  a  weightier  reason.  And  now,  good,  patriotic 
Shimei,  the  son  of  Gera,  of  Bahurim,  since  that  is  your 
title,  make  yourself  as  comfortable  as  may  be  without 
the  gate,  till  the  morning.  Had  you  caught  the  spies, 
it  would  have  altered  the  case.  But  our  fine  young 
king  is  a  firm  believer  in  the  old  maxim,  "  A  bird  in  the 
hand  is  worth  two  in  the  bush."     Good  night,  Shimei.' 

"  The  confused  and  restless  throng,  collected  before 
the  gate  of  the  city,  had  maintained  a  l)reat bless  si- 
lence during  this  singular  dialogue  :  many  of  them 
had  been  there  for  hours,  and  there  was  that  vacancy 
of  employment  and  plan,  that  wlicts  the  a])petite  for 
the  enjoyment  of  a  good  jest.     The  close  of  this  dis- 

23* 


270 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM. 


cussion,  therefore,  was  followed  by  a  general  burst  of 
loud,  unrestrained  laughter,  mingled  with  shouts  and 
huzzas  for  the  sagacious  and  patriotic  Shimei.' 

'"Decidedly  the  best  joke  since  we  crossed  Jordan,' 
shouted  a  young  Reubenite  officer. 

" '  Honor  to  whom  honor  is  due,'  vociferated  a 
second.  '  King  Absalom  must  give  that  man  a  cap- 
tain's commission,  at  the  least.' 

"  '  A  broad  belt  and  a  new  cockade,'  cried  a  third. 
'  Why,  the  poor  fellow  has  lost  a  whole  night's  sleep, 
in  order  to  come  and  warn  the  king  to  lock  the  stable 
door  after  the  horse  is  stolen.' 

"  '  Set  him  up  for  counsellor,'  shouted  a  fourth,  '  and 
Ahithophel  may  hide  his  head.' 

"  Thus  a  perfect  hail-storm  of  jest,  taunt,  severe 
comment,  and  biting  sarcasm,  poured  its  pitiless  peltings 
on  the  devoted  head  of  the  disappointed  Shimei,  till 
peppered,  riddled,  and  vexed  beyond  endurance,  he  was 
forced,  in  absolute  self-defence,  to  retreat  from  the  com- 
pany of  his  tormentors. 

"Of  this  Shimei,"  said  Belial,  "I  must  now  speak 
more  particularly.  He  was  a  genuine  specimen  of  a 
certain  class  of  men  that  exist  in  all  ages  of  the  world  — 
a  perfect  time-server  ;  yet  vain,  conceited,  and  ever 
prone  to  boasting.  His  talents  and  claims  to  public 
consideration  and  respect,  had  never,  he  thought,  been 
properly  appreciated  by  others.  Nor  could  he  tell,  for 
the  life  of  him,  how  it  was  that  persons  of  less  merit 
than  he  was  conscious  of  possessing,  would  always 
stand  higher  in  public  esteem  and  confidence  than  him- 
self. He  had  made  many  desperate  efforts  to  become 
distinguished  and  popular,  but  unfortunately  some  un- 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM.  271 

toward  influence  always  defeated  the  success  of  his 
plans.  It  seemed  to  him,  moreover,  that  people  took 
an  unreasonable  delight  in  making  themselves  merry 
at  his  expense.  Blunders  that  in  others  were  passed 
over  with  little  notice,  in  him  seemed  to  attract  univer- 
sal attention,  and  become  themes  of  entertainment  and 
sources  of  amusement,  to  an  extent,  as  he  thought, 
altogether  unaccountable.  The  mistakes  and  miscar- 
riages of  others  could  be  readily  forgotten  ;  but  his 
were  remembered  with  a  pertinacity,  and  rehearsed 
with  a  frequency,  absolutely  provoking. 

"  Early  in  life,  he  had  earnestly  endeavored  to  recom- 
mend himself  to  King  Saul,  by  the  zeal  and  constancy 
with  which  he  labored  for  the  destruction  of  David. 
But  while  valuable  services  and  dangers  dared  were 
soon  forgotten,  any  mishaps,  or  palpable  failures,  were 
treasured  up  in  the  public  mind,  and  readily  called  up 
on  all  occasions.  He  was  one  of  the  party  sent  to  take 
David,  whom  Michal,  Saul's  daughter,  deceived  with 
the  image  covered  up  in  bed,  and  a  pillow  of  goat's 
hair  for  its  bolster ;  there  were  twenty  others  in  the 
company,  all  imposed  on  as  much  as  he,  by  the  trick 
of  Michal  ;  but  somehow  the  matter  went  abroad  in 
the  land,  and  became  a  favorite  tale  around  the  evening 
fire,  as  a  capital  joke  on  Shimei.  An  image,  near  the 
size  of  a  man,  on  a  pillow  of  goat's  hair,  could  scarcely 
be  spoken  of,  but  the  story  must  be  told  how  Michal 
had  befooled  Shimei ;  and  it  seemed  he  was  never  to 
hear  the  last  of  it.  He  was  one  of  Saul's  life-guard  on 
the  night  that  David  and  Abishai  took  the  spear  and 
cruse  of  water  from  Saul's  bolster.  Shimei,  in  his  zeal 
for  Saul,  had  laid  him  down  nearest  the  king's  head  ; 


272  SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM. 

but  when  the  matter  was  over,  it  seemed  that  the 
guard,  who  were  all  asleep  as  well  as  he,  managed  to 
give  a  turn  to  the  whole  story,  so  as  to  throw  the  burden 
of  the  censure,  or  the  point  of  the  jest,  when  it  was 
spoken  of  lightly,  entirely  against  Shimei. 

"  He  was  with  Abner  when  he  challenged  Joab  to  a 
trial  of  their  skill  in  arms  at  the  pool  of  Gibeon.  Ab- 
ner's  party  sustained  a  sore  defeat.  But  yet,  when  the 
mourning  was  past  and  their  spirits  somewhat  revived, 
there  were  not  wanting  those  who  could  tell  laughable 
stories  of  Shimei  on  that  day.  While  Ishbosheth's 
kingdom  had  any  respectability,  all  the  credit  was 
given  to  Abner.  But  when  Abner  was  dead,  and  the 
kingdom  became  weak  and  contemptible,  you  would 
have  thought  from  the  common  conversation  of  the 
plain  people  through  the  country,  that  Shimei  was  the 
principal  stockholder  in  that  miserable  concern. 

"  Since  the  kingdom  of  David  had  been  set  up  over 
all  Israel,  Shimei  had  led  the  life  of  a  retired  soldier, 
chiefly  in  the  little  town  of  Bahurim.  The  same  difli- 
culty,  however,  of  maintaining  his  respectability,  at- 
tended him  here.  Phinehas  the  Levite  was  a  source  of 
much  trial  to  him.  Phinehas  relished  a  good  anecdote 
exceedingly,  but  seemed  to  have  special  fondness  for 
such  as  bore  hard  on  Shimei.  Phinehas  excelled  in 
telling  an  amusing  story.  But  all  Bahurim  acknowl- 
edged that  he  told  no  story  so  well,  as  when  some  blun- 
der, mistake,  or  peculiarity  of  Shimei  was  the  theme. 

"  Only  a  few  hours  past  had  furnished  an  example  of 
this.  After  the  little  community  at  Bahurim  had  suffi- 
ciei:^tly  expressed  their  wonder  and  regret  at  David's 
retreat  through  their  town,  and  their  apprehension  of 


f^'rj 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM.  27 

consequences  that  might  follow,  Phinehas  began  to 
amuse  a  group  of  the  citizens  by  maintaining  that  the 
profession  of  a  soldier  had  been  chosen  by  Shimei  in 
sheer  mistake ;  that  nature  had  unquestionably  de- 
signed him  for  an  orator.  In  proof  of  this,  he  appealed 
to  the  success  of  his  recent  essay.  Tears,  he  alleged, 
were  seen  to  stand  in  the  eyes  of  David,  while  those 
pathetic  strains  were  rolling  in  torrents  from  the  lips 
of  Shimei;  and  that  his  marvellous  eloquence  had 
wrought  up  the  military  enthusiasm  of  Abishai  to  the 
very  highest  pitch,  was  evident  to  all.  For  the  fame 
of  the  orator,  and  the  fame  of  the  town  he  had  honored 
with  his  residence,  he  said,  it  was  to  be  regretted  that 
the  king  had  interfered  with  the  personal  attentions 
Abishai  wished  to  bestow  on  the  orator  of  the  day. 
Men,  ambitious  of  fame,  have  ever  desired  to  die  when 
in  the  zenith  of  their  glory  :  as  the  eagle,  who  vanishes 
from  sight  when  nearest  the  sun ;  or  the  general  who 
has  just  decided  the  fate  of  some  great  empire,  and  falls 
on  the  battle-field,  with  the  shout  of  victory  in  his  ear. 
As  to  the  operation  itself,  he  assured  Shimei  that 
Abishai  was  a  perfect  master  of  his  trade  ;  that  he  kept 
his  implements  in  the  very  best  order,  and,  had  the 
king  permitted,  would  have  performed  the  interesting 
ceremony  in  the  very  best  style. 

''  Shimei  left  this  company  in  deep  ire,  and  saw 
Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz  run  into  the  house  of  Phinehas. 
After  the  departure  of  the  Danites,  on  their  return  to 
Jerusalem,  he  watched  the  house  till  he  saw  the  retreat 
of  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan.  Thinking  that  the  public 
gtand  he  had  taken  against  David  would  recommend 
him  to  Absalom,  he  now  bolicved  that  the  information 


274  SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM. 

he  could  give  concerning  the  spies  would  greatly  ben- 
efit him,  and  effectually  ruin  Phinehas;  so  off  he  put 
for  Jerusalem,  firmly  resolved,  in  the  new  world  that 
was  coming  up  with  this  great  revolution,  to  make 
one  more  desperate  effort  to  gain  that  conspicuous  and 
commanding  station  in  society,  which  he  had  long 
been  conscious  of  deserving,  but  from  the  attainment 
of  which  he  had  hitherto  been  debarred  by  untoward 
impediments,  which,  like  rival  heirs  to  a  great  estate, 
had  stood  in  his  way,  at  every  turn  and  corner  in  the 
journey  of  life. 

"  But  now  his  prospects  were  more  flattering  than 
ever  before.     The   public  and  bitter  cursing  he  had 
administered  to  David  must  be  highly  pleasing  to  Ab- 
salom, and  the  important  discovery  he  had  made,  how 
the  two  spies  had  been  concealed  in  the  house  of  Phin- 
ehas, when  carried  to  the  king's  ears  by  himself,  must, 
he  was  confident,  place  him  forward  among  the  fore- 
most of  the  favorites  of  the  popular  young  monarch. 
The  more  he  conned  the  matter  over  in  his  mind,  the 
more  enchanting  brilliancy  his  hopes  put  on  ;  and  they 
now  ran  up  to  a  dizzy  and  topless  height.     He  might 
become  first  ruler  about  Absalom's  person,  prime  min- 
ister of  the  kingdom,  chief  commander   of  the   army : 
conjecture  itself  was  fain  to  droop  its  wing  when  asked 
to  soar  to  the  summit  of  his  prospects.     As  he  hurried 
down  the  Mount  of  Olives  towards  the  city  of  Jerusa- 
lem, short  sentences,  as  from  a  heart  full  and  overflow- 
ing,  burst  forth  in  an  audible  voice  —  'All's  well  that 
ends  well.     The  lane  has  been  long,  but  the  happy 
turn  comes  at  last.     Talent  and  worth,  like  the  capital 
of  the  merchant,  will,  at  length,  find  the  proper  invest- 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM.  275 

ment.'  His  repulse  by  the  guard  at  the  gate,  and  the 
sportive  remarks  of  the  Reuben ites  assembled  there, 
have  already"  been  detailed.  These  fell  on  the  excited 
mind  of  Shimei  like  a  killing  frost  on  the  full-blown 
flowers  of  May.  Balked,  insulted,  maddened,  he  dis- 
engaged himself  from  the  company,  and  staggered  and 
reeled  off  a  little  way  in  a  perfect  wilderness  of  disap- 
pointment. It  was  now  that  Ben  Huppim  came  to  his 
relief,  who  had  found  something  of  special  interest  in 
Shimei's  statement  to  the  guard. 

"  '  You  say,'  inquired  Ben  Huppim,  leading  Shimei 
by  the  arm  to  the  place  where  his  party  was  quartered, 
— '  you  say  that  the  two  spies  ran  out  from  that  house 
we  searched,  after  we  had  left  it.' 

"  '  Yes,'  said  Shimei ;  '  but  the  treatment  given  to 
merit  and  loyalty  here,  is  enough  to  make  a  man  abjure 
king  and  country.' 

"  '  Did  you  find  out  where  those  spies  had  been 
hid  ? '  said  Ben  Huppim :  '  we  searched  the  whole 
house  carefully.' 

"  'Respectability  and  long  services  are  wholly  disre- 
garded,' said  Shimei.  '  It  was  my  right  to  see  the 
king  ;  my  errand  is  of  the  first  importance.' 

"  '  But  come,  come,'  said  Ben  Happim,  'I  want  you 
to  tell  me  about  the  spies  :  are  you  sure  it  was  in  the 
house  they  were  concealed? ' 

"  'I  intended,'  said  Shimei,  -to  give  gratuitously  to 
the  young  king  all  the  benefit  of  my  talents  and  sage  ex- 
perience. I  have  witnessed  the  rise,  progress,  and  down- 
fall of  three  kingdoms  in  succession,  Saul's,  Ishbosheth's, 
and  David's  ;  few  have  had  my  opportunities.  Absalom 
is  young,  and  will  need  experience  and  educated  talent 


276  SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM. 

at  the  helm  of  state.  But  to  be  made  a  laughing-stock 
by  beardless  boys,  and  stopped  in  my  important  em- 
bassy by  a  proud,  petty  subaltern,  patience  ceases  to  be 
a  virtue.  I've  a  mind  to  abandon  the  helm,  and  let 
them  all  go  on  the  rocks  and  to  the  bottom  together.' 

"  '  Beriah,'  said  the  captain,  'run  to  the  stream  —  or 
stay,  three  or  four  of  you  go,  bring  your  helmets  full 
of  water.  The  man  is  deranged,  absolutely  driven  to 
madness,  by  the  foolish  jests  of  those  thoughtless  fel- 
lows :  we  must  bathe  his  hands,  and  face,  and  templeSj 
or  we  shall  get  nothing  out  of  him.' 

"  '  And  then,'  said  Shimei,  '  not  a  man  in  Bahurim 
to  come  out  publicly  for  Absalom,  but  myself.  And 
to  be  endangered  by  that  rough  fellow,  Abishai,  and 
mocked  by  the  teasing  Phinehas,  and  even  the  boys  in 
the  street,  at  my  time  of  life ;  and  now  my  important 
services  meet  a  recompense  like  this.' 

"  '  Come,  come,'  said  Ben  Huppim,  '  don't  take  it  so 
hard  ;  they  are  rude  young  lads  ;  but  don't  mind  them. 
Wash  your  hands  and  face  well  in  this  helmet ;  you'll 
feel  better.  Soldiers,  have  not  some  you  a  little  wine 
left  ?     Give  him  some  ;  it  will  help  to  revive  him.' 

"  '  Most  absurd,'  said  Shimei, '  to  require  that  I  should 
catch  Ahimaaz  in  a  foot-race  !  Just  as  if  nature  had 
given  me  the  legs  of  the  antelope,  or  the  wings  of  the 
eagle.' 

"  The  Danites  were  not  great  proficients  in  either  the 
theory  or  practice  of  medicine  ;  yet  by  the  dint  of  rub- 
bing, bathing,  slapping  his  hands,  and  pouring  down  a 
little  wine,  they  managed  so  as  to  somewhat  recover 
Shimei.  Little,  however,  could  be  learned  from  him, 
save  that  Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz  had  been  seen  leaving 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM.  277 

the  premises  of  Pliinehas  after  Ben  Hiippim's  departure, 
and  that  they  had  disguised  themselves  by  putting  on 
something  white,  particularly  about  the  head  and  shoul- 
ders, as  he  could  distinctly  see  in  the  pale  moonlight. 

"  'Where  could  they  have  been  hid  ? '  said  the  captain. 
'We  certainly  moved  all  the  furniture  in  every  room.' 

" '  O,'  said  Ira  the  Kenite,  who  had  been  listening 
most  attentively  to  all  that  could  be  drawn  from 
Shimei,  'did  you  look  in  the  well,  captain? ' 

"  '  The  well !  What  well  ? '  said  Ben  Huppim.  '  I  saw 
no  well.' 

'"That's  it!  that's  it !  that's  it!'  shouted  the  boy, 
with  a  jump  of  joy  at  each  exclamation.  '  Ha !  she  had 
hid  them  in  the  well :  that's  the  way  she  fooled  you.' 

"  '  Where  is  the  well  ? '  said  the  captain. 

"  '  Why,  about  the  centre  of  the  court,'  said  Ira. 

"  '  Why,  captain,'  said  Beriah,  '  that  is  about  the 
place  where  that  meal  was  spread  out  to  dry.' 

"  '  What  meal  ? '  said  Ira. 

"  '  Why,  just  about  the  centre  of  the  court,  as  you 
describe,  there  was  a  cloth  spread  out,  covered  with 
meal.  I  thought  strange  of  her  leaving  it  there  in  the 
night,  but  I  suspected  nothing.' 

"  '  Better  and  better  !  better  and  better  ! '  exclaimed 
Ira,  in  the  highest  ecstasy.  '  I  love  to  see  a  thing  well 
done.  You  see  she  has  a  covering  for  the  well,  and 
steps  going  down  to  where  she  keeps  the  milk  and 
butter  from  the  heat :  she  had  jjut  them  in  there,  and 
put  the  cover  on,  and  spread  a  cloth  over  it,  and  then 
poured  her  meal  on  the  top.' 

"  '  Ilm-rah  for  old  Bahurim  ! '  exclaimed  the  boy, 
hopping  round,  and  tossing  his  arms,  and  snapping  his 

24 


278  SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM. 

fingers.  '  It's  the  best  story  yet.  Twenty  Danites, 
with  swords  and  spears,  beat  out  fairly  by  one  woman. 
Hurrah  for  old  Bahurim !  And  there,'  said  he,  'is  the 
white,  old  Shimei  saw  by  the  moonlight,  about  their 
head  and  shoulders  —  a  little  of  the  woman's  meal,  that, 
in  their  haste,  they  had  forgotten  to  brush  off.' 

"  Ben  Huppim  felt  this  sorely, 

"  '  I'll  go  yet  and  chastise  them,'  said  he. 

*'  '  By  no  means,  captain ;  that  woman  deserves  a 
reward,'  said  Ira. 

"  '  But  it  is  a  rebellion  against  King  Absalom,' 
answered  the  captain. 

"  '  Well,  captain,'  said  Ira,  more  composedly,  '  do  as 
you  please.  I  don't  know  how  the  customs  are  among 
your  Danite  people,  in  your  country  ;  but  I  can  tell  you 
that  at  old  Bahurim  it  is  necessary  that  you  should 
catch  a  man  before  you  punish  him.  You  can  go,  if 
you  choose,  to  Bahurim  ;  but  I  think  you  will  find  that 
the  nest  is  cold,  and  that  the  old  bird  and  young  ones 
are  all  gone.' 

"  By  this  time,  Shimei  was  considerably  recovered, 
and  Ira  the  Kenite,  having  learned  to  his  satisfaction 
the  particulars  of  the  Danites'  adventure  at  Bahurim, 
now  manifested  a  strong  disposition  to  pry  into  some 
of  the  particulars  of  Shimei's  life  and  achievements. 
He  accordingly  commenced  addressing  him  in  -  the 
following  style  :  — 

"  '  Shimei,  you  must  tell  me  about  this  day's  work 
at  Bahurim,  as  David  passed  through.  Eleazar,  the 
son  of  your  neighbor  Zachariah,  was  here  to-night,  and 
told  me  that  you  cursed  King  David  as  he  went  through 
Bahurim.' 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM.  279 

'' '  I  did,'  said  Shimei,  '  and  I  care  not  who  knows  it.' 

'• '  He  said  you  cursed  him  bitterly.' 

"  '  But  not  so  bitterly  as  he  deserves,'  said  Shimei. 

''  '  Did  you  tell  him,  "  Get  out,  get  out  from  the 
kingdom  "  ? ' 

"  '  Yes,  and  the  nation  should  have  told  him  so  long 
ago,'  answered  Shimei. 

'•  '  Did  you  call  him  a  bloody  man  ? ' 

"  '  Yes,  he  is  a  bloody  man.' 

"  '  Did  you  charge  him  with  the  blood  of  the  house 
of  Saul  ?  ' 

"  '  I  did,  and  he  deserves  the  charge.' 

"  '  Mephibosheth,  and  all  ? ' 

"  '  I  say  he  deserves  the  charge.' 

"  '  Did  you  say  he  was  taken  in  his  mischief? ' 

"  '  I  did,  and  it  is  true.' 

"  '  Did  you  throw  stones  at  him  ?  '  * 

"  '  I  did ;  and  only  regret  that  I  had  not  liit  him  as 
fairly  and  effectually  as  he  hit  Goliath,  long  years  ago.* 

"  '  Well,  Shimei,'  said  Ira,  '  what  did  you  think  of 
Abishai's  proposal  ? ' 

"  '  Abishai  is  a  ruffian,'  said  Shimei. 

"  '  But  he  cuts  off  heads  in  style,'  said  Ira.  <  You 
know  I  am  a  Kenite  ;  we  are  strangers  and  sojourners 
in  Israel.  Father  says  we  must  not  take  part  in  politi- 
cal divisions  among  you.  But  he  says  it's  no  harm  for 
me  to  see  and  know  how  things  are  going  on.  Now, 
Shimei,  I  would  like  to  know  one  tiling.  Suppose 
David  comes  back,  what  do  you  think  you  will 
do?' 

"  '  David  comes  back ! '  exclaimed  the  startled 
Shimei :   '  what  do  you  mean  ? ' 


280  SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM. 

"'Just  what  I  say,'  replied  Ira:  'suppose  David 
comes  back,  and  is  king  again,  Avhat  will  you  do  ? ' 

"  There  was  something  in  this  question  that  roused 
Shimei  far  more  effectually  than  all  the  wine  of  the 
Danites. 

"  '  David  will  never  come  back,'  said  he,  '  that  is  sure.' 

"  '  I'm  not  so  sure  of  it,'  said  Ira  :  '  I've  been  trying 
to  find  out  all  I  can  :  my  father  and  mother  are  great 
believers  in  Providence,  and  it  looks  to  me  as  if  Provi- 
dence is  working  for  David.' 

"  '  How  so  ?  '  said  Shimei,  with  much  interest ;  '  I 
see  nothing  of  it.' 

"  '  But  I  see  it,'  said  Ira,  '  and  I  will  tell  you  what  I 
think,  and  my  reasons.  I  heard  Ahithophel's  speech 
to  the  council  last  evening  :  you  know  he  has  a  great 
deal  of  wisdom  :  well,  he  wanted  them  to  follow  David 
and  kill  him  to-night.  He  was  the  most  earnest  man  I 
ever  saw.  It  seemed  as  if  his  soul  would  burst  through 
his  eyes,  as  he  warned  Absalom  not  to  lose  a  moment, 
but  to  pursue  and  come  on  David  while  he  was  weary 
and  weak-handed,  and  kill  him  at  once.  But  they  have 
not  done  it,  and  it's  past  midnight  now.  David  is  near 
Jordan  by  this  time,  and  will  be  across  before  they  can 
overtake  him.  And  I  think  Ahithophel  would  not 
have  been  so  earnest  and  urgent  if  he  had  not  thought 
it  would  be  very  dangerous  to  let  David  escape.  Then 
I  heard  the  speech  of  Hushai  the  Archite  too.  He  did 
not  want  them  to  go  after  David  so  soon.  He  said 
David  was  very  good  at  hiding^  and  they  might  not 
find  him  so  easily ;  and  then,  if  they  did,  he  was  capi- 
tal at  fightmg,  and  would  not  be  so  easily  killed  ;  and 
then  he  said  David  had  a  great  many  powerful  men 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM.  281 

with  him,  that  were  fiercer  than  lions.  But  I  could 
not  see,  if  David  and  his  men  are  so  dangerous  now, 
how  it  is  going  to  be  any  better,  when  he  has  had  time 
to  collect  more  men,  and  make  preparation  for  battle. 
Husliai  told  Absalom  how  popular  he  was,  and  what  a 
great  general  he  would  make,  and  what  a  large  army  he 
would  have  directly.  They  all  voted  that  Hushai's 
speech  was  best.  But  I  think  it  was  because  none  of 
them  wanted  to  go  and  fight  the  men  that  are  with 
David ;  for  it  seems  to  me,  if  they  expect  to  kill  David 
at  all,  Ahithophel's  plan  was  best  for  that.  And  I 
know  Ahithophel  thought  so,  he  was  so  earnest.' 

"  •  Hushai,  you  know,  is  called  David's  friend,  and 
he  may  be  his  friend  yet ;  for  though  he  talked  finely 
for  Absalom,  yet  it  seemed  to  me  that  his  plan  was 
just  the  plan  to  give  David  time  to  gather  his  old 
friends,  and  prepare  to  give  them  battle.  So  I  think  it 
is  likely  David  will  get  back  yet.' 

"  Shimei  groaned  deeply,  but  continued  silent,  and 
Ira  went  on  :  — 

"  '  I  learned  from  the  Reubenites  at  the  gate,  that  it 
is  thought  most  of  the  sons  of  Manasseh,  and  all  the 
sons  of  Gad,  will  go  for  David.  Now,  if  Joab  has  them 
for  a  little  while  under  his  training,  they  will  be  hard 
to  conquer.  Did  you  ever  see  Joab  mustering  his 
men  ? ' 

"  '  Yes.'  said  Shimei,  dryly. 

"  <  Well,'  said  Ira,  '  it  is  the  prettiest  sight  ever  my 
eyes  beheld  :  and  then,  did  you  ever  hear  him  make  a 
speech  ?  ' 

''  '  No,'  said  Shimei,  'and  I  never  wish  to  hear  him.' 

"  '  Well,'  said  Ira,  '  he  never  makes  a  long  speech, 
24* 


282 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM. 


but  it  seems  to  me  that  to  listen  to  him  five  minutes, 
is  enough  to  make  the  greatest  coward  on  earth  fight 
like  a  hero. 

"  '  But,  Shimei,  here  is  another  thing.  I  heard  a  great 
chief  from  Mount  Ephraim  talking  to  one  of  the  princes 
of  Judah  just  after  they  all  came  to  the  city ;  and  he 
seemed  angry  about  something,  and  said  the  men  of 
Mount  Ephraim  were  as  good  as  the  men  of  Judah, 
and  that  they  would  not  be  undervalued  or  imposed  on  ; 
and  he  said  a  good  deal  more  in  that  strain.  And  I've 
been  thinking  that  Absalom's  men  will  be  apt  to  fall 
out  among  themselves  in  a  few  days,  if  great  care  is 
not  taken.  But  I'll  tell  you  what  I  think  of  more  than 
all  things  else.  Father  says  that  Samuel  anointed 
David  king  by  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  ;  that 
the  kingdom  is  his  from  the  Lord.  And  then,  you  know, 
they  can't  take  it  from  him.  He  is  a  good  man,  and 
Absalom  is  so  wicked  !  Every  decent  man  and  woman 
in  the  city  was  put  to  the  blush  by  the  very  first  thing 
he  did  when  he  reached  his  father's  house,  last  after- 
noon ;  and  when  the  plain  country  people  hear  of  it, 
they  will  all  be  ashamed  of  him  too.  If  he  goes  on 
that  way,  they  will  soon  be  sick  of  having  him  for  their 
king.' 

"  '  If  you  are  not  a  friend  of  Absalom,'  said  Shimei, 
'  I  will  inform  of  you,  and  have  you  punished.' 

"  '  Ah,'  said  Ira,  '  you  can't  make  them  hurt  the 
children  of  Hobab.  (Numbers  x.  29.)  For  Moses 
promised  our  great  father,  that  if  he  would  come  along 
with  you  to  Canaan,  he  and  his  children  should  be 
treated  well.  We  don't  meddle  with  your  divisions,  we 
don't  break  the  laws,  but  it  is  no  harm  for  us  to  look  at 
what  is  going  on,  and  think  for  ourselves.' 


SCENES    AT    JERUSALEM.  2S3 

"  Here  Shimei  arose  and  walked  off  in  anger  and 
vexation.  When  alone,  he  uttered,  in  a  suppressed  tone, 
this  soliloquy  :  '  David  come  back !  Perdition  !  Is  this 
going  to  turn  out  another  of  my  wretched  blunders? 
I  thought  I  was  proceeding  prudently.  I  was  told  that 
nine  tenths  of  Judah  were  for  Absalom  ;  that  Ephraim, 
Dan,  and  Benjamin,  were  almost  unanimous  ;  and  that, 
beyond  all  question,  Absalom  would  have  a  triumphant 
majority  of  the  whole  house  of  Israel.  In  that  case, 
it  was  plain  that  good  policy  demanded  that  I  should 
take  a  public  stand  at  once,  and  curse  David.  It  was 
acting  the  man  ;  and  then  Absalom  would  hear  of  it, 
and  promote  me  to  honor.  But  should  David  prove 
triumphant  in  this  struggle,  then  my  choice  of  sides 
has  been  exceedingly  indiscreet.  Sad  is  the  condition 
of  a  country,'  he  exclaimed,  '  when  the  wise  and  wor- 
thy patriot  can't  for  his  life  discover  what  course  is 
likely  to  prove  the  most  popular,  and  the  most  profita- 
ble to  himself ! '  Such  were  the  melancholy  musings  of 
Shimei.  In  the  meantime,  the  Danites,  fatigued  with 
their  exertions,  were  fast  asleep.  Ira  the  Kenite  re- 
mained wide  awake  ;  no  sleep  for  his  eyes  nor  slumber 
for  his  eyelids  :  wakeful  and  watchful  he  remained, 
that  he  might  see  and  know  whatever  should  trans- 
pire." 


284  CAUMI    AND    AHITHOPHEI.. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL. 

"  While  these  various  incidents,"  said  Belial,  "  were 
transpiring  without  the  gate  of  the  city,  a  scene  of 
more  solemn  and  tragical  character  was  progressing 
within  the  walls  of  far-famed  Jerusalem. 

"  Carmi,  the  prince  of  Judah,  who  received  Absa- 
lom's command  to  double  the  guard  at  the  gate,  was 
one  of  the  most  powerful  nobles  of  his  day ;  he  was  a 
man  of  few  words,  but  of  great  estimation  and  weight 
of  character  ;  he  lived  retired  on  his  estate  in  the  coun- 
try, and  generally  shared  but  moderately  in  the  political 
agitations  of  the  period.  His  opinions,  however,  when 
expressed,  were  received  with  the  most  profound 
respect,  and  his  influence  was  immense,  in  that  large 
branch  of  the  house  of  Judah,  of  which  he  was  now  the 
head.  He  had  been  the  early  and  decided  friend  of  Da- 
vid during  the  persecutions  he  sustained  from  the  hand 
of  Saul ;  the  wants  of  David  and  his  men,  in  the  gloom- 
iest period  of  their  history,  had  often  been  supplied  from 
the  fruitful  fields  and  abundant  flocks  and  herds  in  the 
possession  of  his  friend  Carmi.  When  Saul  was  dead, 
Carmi  was  among  the  foremost  who  moved  in  favc^r  of 
placing  David  on  the  throne  of  Judah.  During  the 
seven  years  that  David  reigned  in  Hebron,  Carmi  was 


CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL.  285 

prominent  and  powerful  among  the  princes  who  were 
regarded  as  the  pillars  of  his  throne.  When  Ishbosheth 
was  slain,  and  all  the  tribes  of  Israel  united  under 
David,  the  course  of  policy  he  adopted  cooled  the  zeal 
of  most  of  the  princes  of  Judah,  It  may  be  that  David, 
anxious  to  shun  the  appearance  of  partiality  for  his 
own  tribe,  leaned  to  the  other  extreme  ;  but  certain  it  is, 
many  of  his  early  friends  complained  bitterly  and  much. 
Hard  is  the  lot  of  a  king,  surrounded  by  hosts  of  power- 
ful and  necessary  friends,  each  thinking  he  has  claims 
to  be  a  special  favorite,  while,  from  the  very  nature  of 
the  case,  it  is  impossible  to  gratify  them  all.  Suffice 
it  to  say,  that  the  policy  adopted  by  David  alienated 
many  of  his  earliest  and  warmest  admirers  in  Judah, 
and  laid  the  foundations  broad  and  deep  for  the  revolt 
of  that  tribe  in  favor  of  Absalom. 

"The  state  of  the  public  pulse,"  continued  Belial, 
"  was  accurately  understood  by  Ahithophel.  Absalom 
was  instructed  by  him  how  to  approach  the  princes  of 
Judah.  The  objectionable  points  in  David's  policy 
were  pointed  out  and  aggravated,  and  promises  of  im- 
portant changes  were  freely  made,  in  case  Absalom 
should  be  clothed  with  royal  authority. 

"  Such  was  the  astonishing  tact  and  forecast  of  Ahith- 
ophel, that  the  whole  matter  was  planned  and  prepared 
without  awakening  the  slightest  suspicion  in  David  or 
his  friends. 

"  It  was  not  spoken  of  as  a  revolt,  a  rebellion,  or  even 
a  revolution,  but  simply  as  the  introduction  of  Absalom, 
the  unquestioned  heir  to  the  crown,  to  a  share  in  the 
current  administration.    Thus  the  consent  and  coopcra- 


286  CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL. 

tion  of  multitudes  were  obtained,  who  would  have  been 
shocked  had  the  real  purpose  been  known. 

''•  Carmi  had  sought  several  close  interviews  with 
Ahithophel,  before  he  would  consent  to  embark  in  the 
revolution  ;  but  the  ulterior  designs  of  that  wily  politi- 
cian were  cai-efuUy  concealed  from  Carmi.  from  the 
nobles,  and  even  from  Absalom  himself.  The  great 
reputation  of  Ahithophel,  and  the  pledges  given  by 
Absalom  that  all  should  be  conducted  by  his  counsel, 
clothed  the  undertaking  with  character  and  feasibility 
that  secured  the  general  confidence.  Ahithophel  un- 
derstood Absalom  thoroughly,  how  wicked  and  unprin- 
cipled he  was  ;  he  knew  that  the  flush  of  success  would 
prepare  him  for  going  much  farther  than  he  at  first 
anticipated.  He  therefore  advised  the  great  sacrifice 
at  Hebron,  for  the  purpose  of  paying  Absalom's  pre- 
tended vow.  Great  multitudes  could  thus  be  assembled 
without  exciting  suspicion, 

"  He  then  advised  that  Absalom  should  be  proclaimed 
king,  without  specifying  the  extent  to  which  he  was 
to  be  clothed  with  the  royal  authority. 

"  In  this  unexplained  state  of  affairs,  he  urged  an 
instant  march  upon  Jerusalem.  He  saw  this  would 
force  David  either  to  fly  or  give  battle  to  Absalom. 
His  fond,  parental  affection,  he  knew,  would  prevent 
the  latter  ;  and  he  saw  that,  in  his  sudden,  hurried,  and 
troubled  flight,  he  might  be  easily  overtaken  and  slain. 
This  was  Ahithophel 's  great  object.  He  wished  to 
make  David  feel  his  vengeance.  This  was  indeed  the 
sum  of  his  aim.  On  the  kingdom  of  Absalom  he  had 
made  little  calculation,  but  he  was  resolved  that  David 
should  die. 


CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL.  287 

"  There  was  one  error  in  the  calculations  of  Ahitho- 
phel,  and  the  Second  Book  of  Samuel  ascribes  his  fail- 
ure there  to  the  special  hand  of  God.  (2  Sam.  xvii.  14.) 

"  No  man  looks  upon  himself  as  in  the  way.  Every- 
one is  apt  to  think  that  the  room  taken  up  by  himself 
is  occupied  to  good  purpose,  and  that  power  and  influ- 
ence in  his  hands  are  very  appropriately  and  properly 
located.  Ahithophel  did  not  foresee  Absalom's  jealousy 
against  himself  springing  up  so  soon.  Yet  this  was 
the  chord  which,  touched  by  the  master-hand  of  Hushai, 
the  Archite,  produced  the  downfall  of  Ahithophel  and 
the  ruin  of  Absalom. 

"  The  modest,  virtuous,  and  noble  mind  of  Carmi 
was  filled  with  shame  and  horror,  when  Absalom  pub- 
licly dishonored  the  young  women  his  father  had  left 
to  keep  the  house.  Many  of  the  princes  of  Judah  and 
Israel  shared  largely  in  this  shame  and  horror.  But 
when  Ahithophel  next,  in  the  general  council,  urged 
the  instant  pursuit  and  slaughter  of  David,  Carmi  was 
almost  petrified  ;  matters  seemed  rushing  to  a  dire  ex- 
tremity, but  he  was  no  public  speaker  to  combat  the 
argument.  The  speech  of  Hushai  the  Archite  gave 
him  some  relief,  as  it  adjourned  to  another  day,  at  leastyt 
the  tragical  termination  of  their  wretched  enterprise. 
He  was  carried  away  by  the  argument  of  Hushai  on 
the  danger  of  a  night  attack  on  the  veteran  warriors 
around  David ;  but  when  he  saw  the  impression  made 
on  Absalom  by  Hushai's  intimations  that  Absalom  had 
better  be  king  himself — that  lie  was  the  choice  of  the 
people  —  that  they  did  not  wish  to  have  a  power  behind 
the  throne  greater  than  the  throne,  &c.  —  his  soul 
was  in  a  tornado  of  trouble.     He  dreaded  an  explosion 


288  CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL. 

between  Absalom  and  Ahithophel  as  inevitable  destruc- 
tion to  all  concerned. 

"  Carmi  received  and  executed  Absalom's  orders,  as 
above  described ;  but  as  he  returned  from  the  gate,  his 
mind  was  as  a  ship  on  a  stormy  sea,  in  a  dark  night, 
when  the  stars  are  hid,  and  the  rudder  is  broken,  and 
the  compass  has  fallen  overboard. 

"  As  he  drew  near  to  the  capital,  he  encountered 
Ahithophel  in  the  street.  The  aged  man  had  buckled 
on  his  armor,  taken  his  sword,  and  made  every  prepa- 
ration for  his  nigh  pursuit  of  David,  not  dreaming  but 
that  his  counsel  had  been  unanimously  adopted. 

*'  Carmi's  hair  stood  up,  his  teeth  chattered,  and  his 
frame  trembled  as  he  silently  paused  after  the  encounter. 

"  '  Why  have  you  left  the  council  ?  '  asked  Ahitho- 
phel, calmly. 

"  'The  council  is  dissolved,'  answered  Carmi. 

"'Where  are  the  troops  ordered  out  for  my  expedi- 
tion?' 

"  '  They  are  not  ordered  out.' 

"  '  How  ?  what  ?    That  is  strangely  negligent.' 

"  '  Absalom  has  changed  his  plan.' 

"  '  Changed  his  plan  !  Madness !  No  other  plan  will 
do.  David's  spirits  will  rally,  if  time  be  allowed  him. 
His  old  military  habits  will  revive  —  his  old  veterans 
will  gather  round  him  —  he  will  soon  become  formida- 
ble —  every  moment  is  precious  —  delay  is  full  of 
danger.  The  decisive  blow  must  be  struck  to-night. 
Where  shall  I  find  Absalom  ? ' 

"  '  It  was  thought,'  said  Carmi,  taking  Ahithophel  by 
the  arm,  '  that  David  may  be  hid  in  some  pit,  or  place 
of  concealment,  and  that  you  would  not  be  able  to  find 


CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL.  289 

him    in  the  dark.     You  know  how  often  he  ehided 
Saul.' 

*' '  But  I  have  the  surest  intelligence  that  he  is  halted 
in  the  open  plain,  beyond  Bahurim,  weeping  and  bent 
to  the  earth  with  sorrow,  waiting  and  hoping  for  a 
message  of  reconciliation.  The  opportunity  must  not 
be  lost.     I  must  see  Absalom  instantly.' 

"  '  But  it  was  thought,'  said  Carmi,  holding  on  to  his 
arm,  '  that  if  rushed  on  too  suddenly,  his  martial  spirit 
may  awake.  You  know  he  is  tremendous  when, 
roused.     Remember  Goliath.' 

"  '  Derangement!  '  said  Ahithophel,  stamping  on  the 
pavement  — '  absolute  derangement.  1  tell  you  he  is 
overwhelmed,  not  with  fear,  but  with  trouble  —  mental 
anguish.  The  father  has  overcome  the  king.  His 
distress  for  Absalom's  conduct  has  unmanned  him. 
Now  is  the  time  to  strike.' 

"  '  But  it  was  thought  that  your  men  would  go  with 
apprehension  and  misgiving  in  this  night  attack,  and 
that  the  heart  of  the  boldest  would  melt,  as  all  know 
the  valor  of  David  and  his  men.' 

" '  I  will  inspire  them  with  emulation  by  putting  a 
price  on  his  head  —  yes,  a  higher  price  than  he  put  on 
storming  the  tower  of  the  Jebusites.' 

"  '  But,'  said  Carmi,  '  Joab  and  Abishai  are  with  him, 
and  the  thirty-six  mighty  men,  and  the  life-guards,  and 
the  Cherethites  and  Pelethites,  and  the  men  from 
Gath.  It  was  said  they  will  fight  as  a  bear  robbed  of 
her  whelps  in  the  field  ;  that  they  are  chafed  and  bit- 
ter in  their  minds  in  view  of  the  revolution,  and  the 
wrath  of  each  is  burning  now  like  a  furnace  of  fire.' 

"  '  Who  said  all  this  ? '  asked  Ahithophel,  hastily. 

25 


290  CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL. 

"  '  Hushai  the  Archite.' 

"  '  Hushai !  Was  he  in  the  council  ?  and  did  he  have 
the  impudence  to  speak  ?  —  the  proverbial  friend  of 
David,  and  amongst  us.  beyond  doubt,  in  disguise. 
Hushai !  the  traitor !  I'll  have  him  arrested  and  pun- 
ished. But  first,  David  must  be  pursued  and  slain ;  for 
on  that  all  depends.  Come  with  me  instantly  to  the 
king.  Surprising,  that  he  would  listen  to  Hushai ! 
But  come  along.' 

'' '  But,'  said  Carmi,  '  I  must  tell  you,  the  men  will 
not  go  on  this  expedition  io-night.  I  saw  the  boldest 
princes  of  Judah,  Ephraim,  and  Dan,  amazed,  turn  pale 
and  tremble  like  a  reed  in  the  wind,  while  Hushai 
drew  a  picture  of  the  indomitable  strength  and  bravery 
of  the  stern  and  fierce  warriors  that  are  with  David. 
No  man  who  heard  that  speech  will  consent  to  attack 
them  till  a  large  army  can  be  collected,  so  as  to  over- 
whelm them  with  numbers.  It  was  the  unanimous 
vote  of  all  the  nobles.' 

"  '  And  Absalom  was  counselled  by  Hushai ! '  ex- 
claimed Ahithophel!  'I'll  mark  that,  but  not  now. 
Come,  Carmi,  you  must  go  with  me  to  the  king,  this 
moment,  or  we  are  all  ruined,  utterly.  If  David 
escapes  to-night,  and  the  public  mind  has  time  to  re- 
act, dire  results  may  follow.  Hushai  is  in  David's 
interest :  of  that  I  am  sure.  I  can  show  his  sophistry 
to  the  king  and  the  princes :  it  must  be  done  forthwith, 
or  the  golden  moment  is  gone  forever.  Come  along  ; 
wait  no  longer.' 

"  '  Ahithophel,'  said  Carmi,  taking  hold  of  his  arm 
strongly  with  both  hands,  '  we  are  old  friends.' 

"'Certainly,'  said  Ahithophel,  'but  do  not  delay.' 


CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL.  291 

"  '  I  would  not  have  engaged  in  this  revohition,  but 
for  yon.' 

*' '  I  know  it,'  said  Ahithophel  ;  '  but  let  us  not  con- 
sume time.' 

" '  Many  others,  through  confidence  in  you,  have 
done  as  I  have  done,'  said  Carmi. 

"  '  I  know  it,'  said  Ahithophel :  '  but  why  lose  pre- 
cious time  by  talking  of  it  now  ? ' 

"  '  You  must  promise  me,'  said  Carmi,  '  that  you  will 
not  abandon  us  now,  that  we  are  brought  into  this 
difficulty.' 

'• '  What  do  you  mean? '  said  Ahithophel. 

" '  You  have  had  long  experience,  and  know  there 
is  much  to  be  borne  in  this  world,  even  from  our 
friends.' 

"  '  Certainly,'  said  Ahithophel ;  '  but  why  do  you 
tease  and  tantalize  me  thus  ? ' 

''  <  It  is  best  I  should  tell  you  all.  though  it  grieves 
me  much ;  but  you  have  self-command,  and  must  bear 
it,  for  the  sake  of  your  friends.' 

"  '  You  torment  me  ! '  exclaimed  Ahithophel. 

'• '  Then,  to  be  plain,'  said  Carmi,  '  you  must  not  see 
Absalom  to-night.' 

"  '  If  I  don't,  I  see  ruin  as  plain  as  ever  I  saw  the 
sun  in  the  heavens.' 

"  '  He  will  not  listen  to  you,'  said  Carmi. 

"  '  To  me  !  not  listen  to  me,  say  you  ?  He  is  under 
the  most  solemn  pledge  to  do  it  from  the  beginning. 
That  was  the  first  point  settled.' 

"' Pledges  may  be  broken,'  said  Carmi ;  '  don't  see 
him  now  ;  it  will  not  do  just  at  present ;  but  you  will 
be  able  to  bring  all  things  right,  by  taking  time.' 


292  CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL, 

" '  Speak  out  plainly ! '  vociferated  Ahithophel ;  '  this 
perplexity  is  insupportable  !  ' 

"  '  Then,'  said  Carmi,  '  Hushai,  in  the  presence  of  all 
the  elders,  called  on  Absalom  to  show  himself  a  man  ; 
said  his  warmest  admirers  were  sick  of  the  whisperings 
that  were  spreading  every  where  —  that  the  king  was  in 
leading-strings  —  that  another  governed,  and  used  him 
only  as  a  tool  —  and  that  it  was  the  popularity  of  the 
counsellor,  and  not  of  the  king,  that  had  brought  such 
multitudes  around  his  standard.  Absalom  arose  under 
the  strongest  emotions ;  publicly  thanked  Hushai  for 
the  frank  fidelity  that  had  communicated  to  him  the 
knowledge  of  these  facts,  so  vitally  connected  with  his 
honor  ;  and  called  on  all  the  nobles  of  all  the  tribes  to 
witness,  that  from  that  hour  it  should  be  plain  that  he 
was  both  the  king  and  the  counsellor  —  he  would  let 
it  be  seen  whose  name  and  popularity  had  rolled  the 
successful  tide  of  the  revolution  over  the  land ;  and 
again,  in  the  most  superlatively  graceful  and  elegant 
manner,  thanked  Hushai  over  and  over,  he  said,  from 
his  inmost  heart,  and  that  the  obligation  would  be 
lasting  as  his  life  for  assisting  him  to  discover  the  true 
import  and  design  of  counsels,  which,  while  they  pro- 
fessed to  be  for  the  public  good,  were,  with  selfish 
cunning,  aimed  to  put  another  in  command,  secure  to 
him  all  the  honor  of  the  victory,  and  send  his  name  to 
succeeding  generations,  as  the  great  actor  who  had  the 
imperishable  renown  of  striking  the  main,  decisive 
blow  in  this  memorable  revolution.' 

"  At  this,  Ahithophel  started  back,  elevated  his  pale 
face,  fixed  on  the  declining  moon  those  piercing  gray 
eyes   that  now   seemed   starting   from  their   sockets, 


CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL.  293 

stretched  upward,  with  spread  fingers,  his  long,  skinny 
arms,  and  in  a  sepulchral,  unearthly  voice,  exclaimed, 
'  Ha  !  angel  of  death  !  art  thou  there  ?  I  know  thee  ! 
Thou  art  come  at  last  ! ' 

"  '  Compose  yourself,'  said  Carmi :  '  all  may  yet  go 
well,  only  take  the  needful  time  for  management.' 

"  '  Let  me  go  ! '  said  Ahithophel. 

*' '  No,'  said  Carmi,  '  you  must  come  to  my  room  and 
spend  the  night  with  me.' 

"  '  Let  me  go  ! '  said  Ahithophel,  impatiently. 

'' '  If  you  prefer  it,'  said  Carmi,  still  holding  on, 
'  I  will  go  to  your  room,  and  spend  the  night  with 
you.' 

"  '  Let  go  my  arm  !  '  raved  Ahithophel,  drawing  his 
sword  from  the  scabbard  with  a  violence  that  was 
fearful. 

"  '  Madman  ! '  exclaimed  Carmi,  quitting  his  arm  and 
stepping  back,  '  what  do  you  mean ! ' 

"  Ahithophel  turned  in  silence,  and  walked  down  the 
street  ;  presently  he  turned  a  corner,  and  was  out  of 
sight.  Carmi  gazed  after  him  till  he  disappeared,  and 
then  returned  to  his  lodgings  with  a  heart  heavy  and 
filled  with  troubled  forebodings. 

"  Without  the  gate  of  the  city  all  was  now  silent 
and  still.  Sleep  had  established  his  dominion  over  all, 
save  two  or  three  Reubenite  sentinels,  and  the  wake- 
ful eyes  of  Ira  the  Kenite.  Ira  was  reclining  on  the 
ground,  his  head  raised  on  his  hand,  and  his  eyes  were 
roving  among  the  stars,  when  the  gate  quietly  opened, 
and  a  mounted  man  rode  out. 

"'Ha!'  said  the  Reubenite  sentinel,  *I  thought 
none  were  to  pass  the  gate  before  morning.' 

25* 


294  CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL. 

"  '  It  is  the  king's  counsellor,'  said  the  guard  :  '  I  am 
authorized  to  let  him  pass.' 

"  The  rider  moved  slowly  along  near  the  spot  where 
the  Kenite  boy  was  reclining.  As  the  figure  passed 
between  him  and  the  clear  blue  sky,  the  tallness  of  his 
person,  the  long  gray  locks,  the  bending  attitude  and 
remarkable  mien,  identified  Ahithophel,  the  far-famed 
counsellor.  He  seemed  in  a  profound  reverie,  and  was 
muttering  short  sentences  as  he  rode  along. 

"  '  Said  Hushai's  counsel  was  the  best.  Would  show 
he  is  his  own  man  —  that  no  man  could  use  him  as  a 
tool  —  that  he  will  be  king  and  counsellor  both. 
Well,  he  shall  know  what  my  name  and  counsel  are 
worth  to  his  cause ;  and  where  Hushai  will  land  him.' 

"  Such  broken  sentences,  falling  on  the  acute  ear  of 
Ira,  roused  his  curiosity  to  know  what  this  could  mean. 
To  spring  to  his  feet,  and  follow  the  aged  counsellor, 
was  with  him  the  work  of  a  moment ;  yet  he  made  no 
attempt  to  come  up  close  to  him ;  for  there  was  an 
awfulness  in  Ahithophel's  manner,  and  something  so 
peculiar  in  the  tone  of  his  voice,  that,  forward  and 
fearless  as  Ira  was,  kept  him  at  a  respectful  distance. 
The  old  man  went  muttering  along ;  but  even  the 
sharp  ear  of  Ira  could  not  gather  many  of  the  words 
that  he  uttered.  Yet  when  he  remembered  his  earnest- 
ness in  the  council,  and  that  his  advice  had  not  been 
followed,  this,  together  with  the  broken  sentences  he 
had  heard,  led  his  active  mind  to  conclude  that  he 
now  despaired  of  Absalom's  success,  and  was  either 
flying  for  his  life,  or  in  the  agony  of  disappointment 
was  resolved  to  seek  a  reconciliation  with  David. 

"When  Ahithophel  reached  his  house,  he  entered, 


CARMI    AND    AHITHOPHEL.  295 

and  waked  his  family,  and  gave  them  a  hasty  though 
comprehensive  charge  about  the  proper  adjustment  of 
his  worldly  aftairs.  He  then  secured  a  rope,  and  came 
to  the  side  of  the  great  road  leading  to  Jerusalem.  The 
only  sentence  Ira  could  distinctly  hear  Avas  this :  '  I 
wish  it  were  in  the  great  street  of  the  city,  that  Absa- 
lom might  find,  at  once,  all  its  effects  on  his  cause  and 
prospects.'  A  bending  tree  was  standing  there.  He 
threw  the  rope  over  a  large  limb,  and  in  another  mo- 
ment swung  himself  by  the  rope,  and  died. 

''  Ira  looked  on  till  the  horrible  struggle  was  over, 
then  turned  and  hurried  with  great  speed,  and  reached 
and  roused  the  Danites  just  at  the  break  of  day.  He 
said  not  a  word  of  what  he  had  seen,  but  entered  the 
city  at  the  first  opening  of  the  gate,  and  went  directly 
to  the  council  chamber,  where  Absalom  and  many  of 
the  nobles  were  already  assembled.  At  length,  look- 
ing round,  with  some  indications  of  anxiety,  Absalom 
inquired,  — 

"  '  Is  Ahithophel  in  the  room  ? ' 

"  *  He  is  not,'  said  an  officer  near  the  door. 

"  '  Send  for  him  immediately,'  said  Absalom. 

"  '  He  has  left  the  city,  as  I  learn,'  said  Carmi,  stand- 
ing near  the  king. 

" '  Left  the  city ! '  said  Absalom  :  why,  that  is  strange  : 
he  is  not  gone  far,  I  should  think,  at  a  time  like  this.' 

"  '  Ahithophel  is  dead  ! '  said  Ira,  who  never  hesitated 
to  speak  in  any  company. 

"  'Ahithophel  dead  !  '  exclaimed  Absalom.  '  It  is  not 
possible.' 

"  '  He  is  dead,  my  lord,'  said  Ira ;  'I  saw  him  hang 


296  CARINU    AND    AHITHOPHEL.    ^ 

himself  beside  the  road,  near  his  own  house,  about  two 
hours  before  day.' 

"  '  AVhy,  what  can  have  ailed  him  ? '  said  Absalom. 

"  '  He  despaired  of  our  cause,'  answered  Carmi. 

"  '  Our  cause  is  prospering,'  answered  Absalom;  '  the 
people  are  increasing  every  hour.' 

"  '  By  the  delay  in  pursuing  David,'  said  Carmi,  '  he 
said  that  the  golden  mom.ent  was  irretrievably  lost ; 
that  his  old  friends  would  have  time  .to  assemble,  and 
he  would  become  too  strong  for  us  in  battle.' 

"  '  Then  we  will  pursue  after  him  immediately,'  said 
Absalom.  '  There  has  not  been  much  time  lost  yet, 
and  it  is  best  to  do  it  before  this  case  of  Ahithophel 
has  time  to  spread  far.  Say  as  little  about  it  as  possi- 
ble, all  of  you  ;  speak  not  of  it  at  all.' 

"  '  Had  we  not  better,'  said  Carmi,  '  send  after  David 
and  desire  conditions  of  peace  ? ' 

"'Speak  not  of  it,'  replied  Absalom,  earnestly: 
'  things  have  gone  too  far.  Amasa,  make  your  prepara- 
tions as  speedily  as  you  can  ;  we  must  pursue  the 
refugees  with  all  possible  despatch.' 

"  The  whole  city  of  Jerusalem  was  presently  in  that 
state  of  hurry,  hubbub,  and  mingled  confusion,  attend- 
ant on  the  preparations  of  a  great  multitude  to  depart 
on  an  important  expedition.  But  we  must  now  leave 
them  to  take  notice  of  the  progress  of  things  on  the 
other  side  of  the  river." 


BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE.  297 


CHAPTER   XXIII. 

BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE. 

"  The  rising  sun,"  said  Belial,  "  had  just  begun  to 
tinge  the  top  of  the  mountains  of  Gilead,  when  a  ven- 
erable man,  of  fine  personal  appearance,  walked  forth 
from  his  dwelling  to  take  his  morning  ride  through  his 
cultivated  fields.  He  yet  retained  much  bodily  vigor, 
though  his  age  bordered  on  fourscore.  A  little  grand- 
son, of  nine  years  old,  and  two  granddaughters,  the  one 
perhaps  seven  years  of  age  and  the  other  five,  were 
playing  around  him,  lively  as  morning  larks,  and  court- 
ing his  caresses  before  he  mounted  his  horse. 

"  Two  visitors  were  about  to  accompany  him.  The 
one  appeared  an  Israelitish  prince  of  the  first  grade,  and 
the  other,  though  on  terms  of  great  intimacy,  evidently 
belonged  to  some  other  nation.  The  mansion-house 
was  large  and  commodious,  though  free  from  any  aping 
of  extravagant  grandeur.  The  enclosure  around  it 
contained  lofty  shade  trees,  interspersed  with  every 
variety  of  shrubbery  :  delightful  walks,  laid  out  in  the 
very  best  taste,  added  to  its  interest  and  its  loveliness. 

"  Before  the  party  rose  to  their  saddles,  the  eye  of 
the  stranger  was  caught  by  an  extensive  apiary,  or 
range  of  bee-houses,  at  the  one  side  of  the  enclosure. 
He  drew  near  to  view  it ;  and  already  the  little,  lively, 


298  BARZLLLAI    THE    GILEADITE. 

busy  insects  were  plying  their  labors,  building  their 
cells,  carrying  in  their  comb,  and  preparing  their  honey 
with  all  the  nimble  industry,  hilarity,  and  briskness  in- 
spired by  a  beautiful  summer  morning.  They  hurried, 
buzzed,  and  dashed  about  as  if  the  mightiest  interests 
depended  on  the  speedy  accomplishment  of  the  little 
enterprises  in  which  they  were  so  earnestly  engaged, 

"  The  stranger  inquired  what  was  the  annual  prod- 
uce of  this  establishment  in  honey  and  wax,  and 
what  its  average  value. 

"  The  patriarch  replied  by  giving  details  and  specifi- 
cations, which  showed  how  closely  his  personal  atten- 
tion was  given  to  the  diversified  interest  of  his  large 
establishment. 

"  On  the  other  side  of  the  enclosure,  a  gushing 
spring  poured  forth  its  cool,  transparent  waters,  and  a 
little  below  was  a  large  dairy,  where  cream,  butter, 
cheese,  and  articles  in  that  line,  were  found  in  rich 
abundance.  Milkmaids,  assisted  by  a  number  of  boys, 
were  bearing  vessels  of  milk,  brimming  full  and  cov- 
ered with  snow-white  foam,  from  the  buildings  where 
the  cattle  were  kept,  to  the  dairy.  A  question  was 
asked  by  the  nobleman  of  Israel  — '  How  is  the  best 
method  to  secure  the  greatest  quantity  of  milk  from  a 
given  number  of  cows  ? ' 

"  The  stranger  said,  that  large  pasture  fields,  with 
frequent  changes,  would  produce  the  best  result. 

"  The  old  patriarch  said,  ^  Where  land  is  valuable, 
there  is  a  fine  profit  in  cutting  the  grass  with  scythes, 
and  feeding  it  to  tlie  cattle  in  their  stalls.  It  is  more 
trouble,'  said  he,  '  but  the  advantage  is  more  than  a 
compensation.     The  grass  in  that  case  is  not  injured 


BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE.  299 

by  the  treading  of  the  cattle,  and  you  save  all  the  litter 
and  manure  —  an  important  consideration  with  the 
farmer.  The  same  quantity  of  land,'  he  said,  '  will  sus- 
tain more  than  double  the  quantity  of  stock.  Try  it, 
friends,  try  it,'  said  he.  '  It  is  a  maxim  with  me,  that 
"  what  is  worth  doing  at  all,  is  worth  doing  well."  ' 

"  They  now  passed  on  to  where  barns  of  mammoth 
dimensions  and  large  granaries  arose  ;  immense  quan- 
tities of  wheat,  barley,  rye,  and  the  various  grains  for 
bread,  together  with  beans,  peas,  and  such  like  articles, 
were  here  stored  in  vast  profusion. 

"  They  then  rode  through  extensive  orchards  and 
vineyards,  and  the  conversation  turned  on  the  culture 
of  fruit-trees  and  the  vine  ;  the  best  methods  of  graft- 
ing, budding,  pruning,  and  improving  the  size,  quantity, 
and  flavor  of  the  fruit.  On  these  topics  the  prince  of 
Israel  appeared  to  be  entirely  in  his  element,  and  expa- 
tiated with  great  fluency. 

"  Next  came  the  wide  wheat  field,  bordered  on  the 
one  side  by  the  barley,  and  on  the  other  by  the  rye. 
The  patriarch  now  discoursed  of  grain,  particularly  the 
wheat  ;  the  red  chafl"  variety,  the  white  chaff,  the  blue 
chaff",  the  golden  chaff",  and  the  adaptation  of  the  wheat 
from  Egypt,  rather  than  the  seed  brought  from  Ar- 
menia, to  the  soil  and  climate  of  the  country  where 
they  resided. 

"  The  party  next  entered  the  broad  meadows  ;  and 
the  variety  of  grasses  was  their  theme,  the  manner  and 
time  of  manuring  the  land,  so  as  to  produce  the  heav- 
iest swarth ;  also  the  period  best  for  mowing,  so  as  to 
secure  the  first  quality  of  hay. 

"  They  now  entered  large  pastures,  where  the  land 


300  BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE. 

was  richly  set  with  grass.  Here  camels,  horses,  mules, 
asses,  and  such  like  animals  were  around  them  in  great 
numbers  and  variety.  Something  was  said  of  the 
characteristic  distinction  between  the  camel  and  the 
dromedary ;  but  the  principal  discourse  was  engrossed 
by  the  qualities  and  value  of  the  noble  horse,  which 
had  recently  become  an  object  of  more  attention  than 
formerly.  A  difference  of  opinion  arose  between  the 
prince  of  Israel  and  the  stranger  respecting  the  com- 
parative merits  of  the  Arabian  horse,  and  the  great 
chariot  horse  of  Egypt,  each  being  mounted  on  a  horse 
of  the  kind  he  preferred,  and  each  maintaining  his 
opinion  with  pertinacity  and  some  animation  ;  when 
the  patriarch  observed,  that  for  the  saddle  the  horse  of 
Arabia  was  certainly  admirable,  and  the  Egyptian  horse 
for  the  harness  had  great  reputation.  '  But,'  said  he, 
patting  the  shoulder  of  the  noble  animal  which  he 
rode,  '  here  is  a  specimen  of  the  horse,  lately  introduced 
from  the  country  on  the  Tigris,  that  in  a  very  high 
degree  unites  the  good  qualities  of  both  the  races  you 
have  mentioned.' 

<'  The  party  now  rode  leisurely  along,  and  entered 
extensive  fields,  where  vast  herds  of  cattle  were  feed- 
ing. They  were  thrifty  and  in  fine  condition.  Much 
was  said  of  the  various  breeds  of  cattle,  and  the  state 
of  the  market  for  beef,  hides,  and  tallow  ;  when  the 
patriarch  directed  the  attention  of  his  guests  to  some 
large  bulls  of  Bashan.  '  These,'  said  he,  '  are  some  of 
my  four-year-olds,  but  they  are  full-blooded,  and  excel- 
lent samples  of  that  kind  of  stock.' 

"The  stranger  here  turned  to  the  old  man,  and  ob- 
served, '  The  survey  we  have  taken  of  your  possessions, 


BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE.  301 

this  morning,  induces  me  to  conclude  that  you  have 
not  devoted  much  of  your  life  to  politics,  nor  con- 
sumed much  time  in  office-seeking  or  office-holding.' 
*  Politics ! '  exclaimed  the  prince  of  Israel,  starting  as  if 
a  train  of  affecting  recollections  had  suddenly  been 
recalled  to  his  mind  —  '  politics !  office-hunting  !  I 
rarely  hear  the  subject  broached,  but  I  think  of  that 
good  old  maxim  which  our  ancestors  have  handed 
down  from  a  remote  period —  '•  Blessed  is  the  man  that 
won't  run  crazy."  Absolutely,  were  it  not  that  I  have 
great  confidence  in  the  patriarch  Joseph  as  an  inter- 
preter of  dreams,  I  should  be  of  opinion  that  that  lot 
of  meagre,  famished,  miserable  creatures,  which  Pha- 
raoh saw,  in  his  dream,  coming  up  from  the  river, 
"  poor,  and  very  ill-favored,  and  lean-fleshed,  such," 
said  the  old  king,  "  as  I  never  saw  in  all  the  land  of 
Egypt  for  badness,"  must  have  been  a  company  of 
disappointed  office-hunters.' 

<' '  My  ancestors,'  said  the  stranger  with  a  good-hu- 
mored glance  toward  the  patriarch,  '  have  also  handed 
down  a  maxim  of  which  I  have  been  reminded  this 
morning.  It  is  this :  "  Blessed  is  the  man  that  has  a 
comfortable  home,  and  sense  enough  to  stay  at  it." ' 

"The  patriarch  smiled,  and  said,  'The  giver  of  all 
good  has  certainly  bestowed  on  me  many  tokens  of  his 
unmerited  bounty.  He  has  also  given  me  cheerfulness 
of  spirit  to  taste  his  gifts  with  joy,  and  I  trust,  more- 
over, has  inspired  my  heart  with  thankfulness  for  his 
goodness,  and  a  readiness  to  impart  of  his  bounty  to 
others,  as  I  see  they  have  need.  But  come,  let  us  go 
up  on  the  rising  grounds,  and  view  the  flocks  of  sheep 
and  goats.'     They  followed  him  accordingly,  and  saw, 

26 


302  BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE. 

spread  over  many  a  fertile  hill,  the  fleecy  multitudes 
under  the  care  of  the  shepherds  —  sheep  of  various 
tribes  —  the  skipping  and  bounding  lambs,  and  with 
his  long-descending  beard,  the  patriarchal  goat. 

"  The  venerable  old  man,  who  was  particularly  en- 
thusiastic in  this  branch  of  husbandry,  was  in  the  midst 
of  a  dissertation,  in  which  he  maintained  the  decided 
superiority  of  the  rams  of  the  .breed  of  Bashan  over 
every  other  specimen  and  variety,  he  said,  '  between  the 
great  Euphrates  and  the  river  of  Egypt,'  when  the  at- 
tention of  the  company  was  suddenly  arrested  by  the 
appearance  of  two  persons  approaching  them  at  a  rapid 
pace.  The  travellers  had  a  youthful  aspect,  but  there 
was  something  in  their  manner  and  bearing  that  elfectu- 
ally  arrested  the  discussion  that  had  been  in  progress. 

"  •  The  blessings  of  the  morning  be  upon  you,  my 
sons,'  said  the  patriarch,  when  they  were  near  enough 
to  be  addressed:   'you  seem  anxious  and  in  haste.' 

"  'We  are  seeking,'  said  the  foremost,  '  Barzillai  the 
Gileadite.' 

" '  That  is  my  name  and  title,'  said  the  patriarch. 

"'Allow  me  then,'  said  the  young  man,  'to  intro- 
duce to  your  acquaintance  Jonathan,  the  son  of  Abia- 
thar,  the  high  priest  of  Jerusalem.' 

"  '  And  my  friend,  here,'  said  Jonathan,  '  is  Ahimaaz, 
the  son  of  Zadok.' 

"  '  Happy  to  see  you,  my  sons,  happy  to  see  you  :  let 
me  make  you  acquainted  with  Machir,  the  prince  of 
Lodebar.  And  this,'  turning  to  the  stranger, '  is  Shobi, 
the  son  of  Nahash,  the  ruler  of  the  children  of  Ammon. 
Can  I  be  of  service  to  you,  this  morning,  my  young 
friends  ? '     (2  Sam.  xvii.  27.) 


BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE.  303 

"  '  "We  have  come  in  behalf  of  King  David,'  said 
Ahimaaz.  '  You  have  heard  doubtless  of  Absalom's 
rebellion.' 

"  '  Rebellion ! '  exclaimed  Barzillai :  '  is  it  then  so  seri- 
ous ?  Some  vague  rumors  came  last  night  of  troubles 
existing  or  expected  at  Jerusalem.  But  I  hoped  it  was 
either  a  fabrication,  or  some  small  matter  exaggerated.' 

"  '  It  is  a  painful  reality,'  said  Ahimaaz.  '  The  king 
fled  from  Jerusalem  late  in  the  afternoon,  crossed  Jor- 
dan in  the  night,  and  is  now  near  the  city  of  Mahanaini 
with  some  fifteen  hundred  followers.' 

"  '  Then  he  is  in  need  of  provision,'  said  Barzillai : 
'  I  must  see  to  sending  him  supplies  instantly.' 

"  'I  will  share  that  duty  with  you,'  said  Machir,  and 
at  once  put  his  horse  in  motion  towards  Lodebar. 

"  '  David  was  my  father's  friend,'  said  the  Ammonite  : 
'he  shall  not  lack  my  friendship  now.'  And  he  bowed 
low  to  the  company,  with  appropriate  expressions  of  his 
best  wishes,  till  the  tall  plume  that  streamed  from  his 
head-dress  swept  the  arching  neck  of  the  beautiful  ani- 
mal which  he  rode.  He  then  resumed  an  erect  posi- 
tion, fixed  himself  firmly  in  the  saddle,  and  wheeling 
his  fine  Arabian  horse,  shot,  like  an  arrow,  over  hill  and 
valley,  in  the  direction  of  his  home,  till  lost  from  their 
view  in  the  distant  forest. 

•'  In  the  mean  time,  the  noble  Assyrian  charger  of 
Barzillai  was  bearing  his  master  with  swiftness  and 
ease  towards  the  large  mansion-house,  while  Ahimaaz 
and  Jonathan,  rejoicing  in  their  welcome  reception, 
followed  him  on  foot. 

"  As  soon  as  they  were  witliin  call  of  the  house, 
'  Daniel,'  said  the   old  chief  to  one  of  the   princijjal 


304  BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE, 

servants,  '  take  four  or  five  of  the  young  men  with  you, 
and  hurry  down  to  the  lower  pasture  ;  turn  out  three- 
score and  ten  of  the  best  beeves,  the  largest  and  the  most 
thrifty,  Daniel,  and  drive  them,  as  fast  as  you  can  with- 
out injury  to  the  cattle,  to  Mahanaim.  King  David  is 
there,  in  want  of  provisions.  And,  Daniel,  see  here :  take 
two  hundred  of  the  best  sheep  ;  they  will  be  wanted 
too  ;  put  them  in  the  same  drove,  and  take  them  along.' 

"'Benjamin,'  to  another  servant,  'harness  up,  as 
quick  as  possible,  all  the  beasts  of  burden  and  all  the 
wagons  and  carts  on  the  place  ;  we  must  send  them 
with  supplies  to  King  David.' 

"  All  was  now  hurry  and  bustle  about  the  large 
establishment  of  Barzillai.  Beds  and  bedding,  house- 
hold, kitchen  and  table  furniture  in  all  variety  and 
abundance,  were  packed  into  the  wagons  and  on  the 
beasts  of  burden.  And  then  sacks  of  fine  flour,  and 
wheat  and  barley,  and  parched  corn,  beans  and  peas, 
large  jars  of  honey,  kegs  of  butter,  and  casks  of  cheese, 
with  all  the  variety  of  vegetables  that  the  fruitful  fields 
of  the  venerable  old  chief  could  furnish,  loaded  wagon 
after  wagon  and  cart  after  cart ;  also  a  number  of  camels 
and  asses. 

"  The  preparations  were  now  complete,  and  the 
drivers  had  already  mounted  to  their  stations,  when  a 
fine-looking,  motherly  old  lady  put  her  head  out  at 
the  door  :  'Benjamin!  don't  start  yet  a  minute.'  Pres- 
ently out  she  came,  followed  by  two  stout  serving 
women  carrying  a  large  basket  between  them.  '  Just 
a  few  things  for  the  king  himself,'  she  said  to  her 
husband. 

"  The  basket  was  then  hoisted  and  fixed  in  a  secure 


BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE.  305 

place  on  the  wagon.  'Now,  Benjamin,'  said  the  old 
lady,  '  be  cai-efnl  of  the  basket,  and  mind  it  is  just  for 
the  king  himself.' 

"  Away  swept  the  train  of  carts,  and  wagons,  and 
beasts  of  burden,  Barzillai,  on  his  superb  Assyrian 
charger,  leading  the  way  ;  and  soon  the  towers  of  Maha- 
naim  rose  in  view. 

"  The  supplies  sent  by  the  generous  Machir,  from 
Lodebar,  arrived  not  long  afterwards.  And  nobly  and 
in  prince-like  style  did  the  Ammonite  redeem  his  pledge. 
Sheep,  and  oxen,  and  fine  flour,  and  other  rich  provis- 
ions, furnished,  in  the  very  best  order,  and  in  astonish- 
ing profusion,  bore  witness  of  the  productiveness  and 
the  wealth  of  the  land  which  God  in  his  providence 
had  bestowed  on  the  children  of  Lot. 

"  The  proper  officers  had  made  a  liberal  distribution, 
and  the  wants  of  all  had  been  abundantly  supplied,  and 
the  day  was  far  advanced,  when  Ahimaaz,  who  was 
conversing  with  the  family  of  Phinehas  the  Levite,  was 
approached  by  a  lad  whose  face  appeared  flushed  with 
rapid  travelling,  and  addressed  him  in  a  very  familiar 
manner — '  Well,  you  escaped  from  the  Danites,  safe 
enough,  I  see.' 

'"Why,  Ira,  you  unaccountable  boy,  can  this  be 
you?' 

"  '  Certainly,'  said  Ira. 

"  '  Why,  what  in  the  world  brought  you  here  ? ' 

"  '  I  might  ask  the  same  cpiestiou,'  said  Ira,  '  only 
that  I  happen  to  know  the  style  in  which  you  left 
Jerusalem.  I  was  not  honored  with  so  respectable  a 
train  of  followers.' 

"  '  I  suppose  not,'  said  Ahimaaz  ;   '  and  what  do  you 
26* 


306 


BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE. 


think  you  deserve,  for  telling  Absalom  that  Jonathan 
and  I  were  concealed  at  Enrogel  ? ' 

'^  '  They  were  disputing  whether  you  had  gone  with 
David  or  not.  And  I  told  them  you  had  not  gone  with 
David,  but  that  you  were  at  Enrogel.  How  could  I 
know  that  they  would  take  you  for  spies,  and  send  to 
have  you  arrested  ? ' 

" '  But,'  said  Ahimaaz,  '  you  came  as  guide  to  the 
Danites,  to  show  them  where  we  were.' 

"  '  O,  yes,'  said  Ira,  '  when  I  found  they  were  going 
to  try  to  catch  you,  then  I  was  willing  to  come  along. 
I  did  not  wish  you  any  harm,  but  I  wanted  to  see  the 
chase.  I  knew  that,  if  you  got  a  good  start,  their 
chance  was  bad.  But,  Ahimaaz,  do  you  think  there 
will  be  a  battle  ?  ' 

"  '  A  battle  ?  '  said  Ahimaaz  :  '  what  put  that  in  your 
head  ?  ' 

" '  Why,'  said  Ira,  '  some  of  the  people  think  that 
David  will  keep  flying  before  Absalom,  till  he  will  go 
into  the  land  of  Moab,  or  Amnion,  or  Syria ;  and  some 
say  that  his  old  officers  and  soldiers  will  turn  and  fight 
when  Absalom  comes.' 

"  '  When  Absalom  comes  !  '  said  Ahimaaz  :  '  does 
Absalom  intend  coming  ?  ' 

"  '  He  is  on  his  march  now,'  said  Ira  ;  '  he  will  be 
near  Jordan  to-night.  He  gave  orders  to  pursue  after 
David,  as  soon  as  he  heard  that  Ahithophel  was 
dead.' 

'"Ahithophel  dead  ! '  ejaculated  Ahimaaz :  'is  Ahitho- 
phel dead  ? ' 

"  '  Yes,'  said  the  Kenite,  '  he  hung  himself  last  night, 
a  little  before  day.' 


BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE.  307 

"  *  Is  it  possible  ? '  said  Ahimaaz  :  '  why,  what  was 
the  matter  ? ' 

"  '  Well,'  said  Ira,  *  some  said  it  was  because  he  was 
displeased  that  Absalom  took  the  counsel  of  Hushai  the 
Archite,  rather  than  his  own  ;  and  some  said  it  was 
because  he  thought  the  best  time  for  killing  David  had 
been  let  slip,  and  that  David  would  gather  friends,  and 
conquer,  and  be  king  again,  and  Ahithophel  could  not 
bear  to  live  to  see  it.  But  others  said  that  Absalom 
had  been  talking  that  he  was  king,  and  he  would  show 
the  people  that  Ahithophel  could  not  lead  him  about 
as  he  pleased ;  and  Ahithophel  had  found  it  out,  and 
hung  himself,  to  spite  Absalom,  and  discourage  Absa- 
lom's friends.  It  may  be  they  were  all  right,  for 
Ahithophel  was  a  great  man,  and  must  have  had  some 
terrible  motive  for  such  a  deed.  It  may  be  that  it  was 
because  God  had  forsaken  him.' 

"  '  But  are  you  sure  that  Absalom  is  coming  ?  ' 

"  '  I  heard  his  orders,'  said  Ira :  'I  saw  Amasa  muster- 
ing the  men.  They  were  to  start  immediately.  And 
so  I  came  over.  I  thought,  if  there  is  going  to  be  a 
battle,  I  would  like  to  see  it.' 

'"Is  Amasa,'  said  Ahimaaz, '  the  commander-in-chief? ' 

"  'Yes,  next  to  Absalom,  you  know,'  answered  Ira. 

"  '  Come  with  me,'  said  Ahimaaz  :  '  this  information 
must  be  given  to  Joab,  Abishai,  and  Ittai  the  Gittite.' 

"  They  were  soon  together,  and  Ahimaaz  stated  briefly 
what  he  had  learned  from  Ira  the  Kenite.  Ittai  the 
Gittite  alone  showed  surprise  and  apprehension  at  the 
news  of  Absalom's  intended  pursuit.  But  at  the  men- 
tion that  Amasa  was  chief  captain  of  Absalom's  army, 
a  glance  was  exchanged  between  Joab  and  Abishai. 


308  BARZILLAI    THE    GILEADITE. 

Something  bordering  on  a  smile  appeared  on  the  face 
of  Abishai,  but  the  visage  of  Joab  remained  unmoved. 

"  'Can  you  rely  on  the  statements  of  this  Kenite  ? ' 
said  Joab  to  Ahimaaz. 

"  *  I  know  him  well,'  said  Ahimaaz  :  '  he  is  a  med- 
dling, inquisitive  kind  of  creature,  that  must  pry  into 
every  thing,  and  know  all  that  is  transpiring  ;  but  his 
character  for  truth  is  unimpeachable,  and  moreover  the 
accuracy  and  extent  of  his  information  is  marvellous. 
You  may  rely  with  full  confidence  on  his  statements.' 

"'Then,'  said  Ittai,  'what  shall  we  do? ' 

"  '  Appeal  to  the  God  of  battles,'  said  Joab. 

"  '  But  the  king,'  said  Abishai,  '  will  not  consent  to 
fight  Absalom,  He  would  rather  fly  beyond  the  land 
of  Israel,  and  die  in  exile.' 

" '  I  respect  the  sympathies  of  a  father,'  said  Joab, 
'  but  the  country  must  not  be  sacrificed.  Ittai,  take 
Eleazar,  the  son  of  Dodo,  and  go  to  the  king ;  you  are 
an  old  friend  that  he  values  highly.  Tell  him  that 
Absalom  is  coming,  and  that  he  must  give  him  battle. 
Tell  him  that  his  old  soldiers  will  not  retreat  another 
hair's  breadth :  be  firm,  and  speak  plainly.  Abishai. 
take  the  Tachmonite,  follow  Ittai  at  a  little  distance, 
then  enter  and  confirm  his  words.  I  will  come  pres- 
ently with  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan ;  we  must  be  im- 
movable as  the  cliff's  of  Carmel,  and  the  king  must 
hear  —  he  will  hear.'  " 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE.  309 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 

PREPARATIONS    FOR    BATTLE. 

•'  David  was  now,  to  a  great  extent,  rested  and 
refreshed  after  the  fatigues  of  his  journey.  He  was 
calmly  reposing  on  a  couch,  furnished  by  Barzillai  the 
Gileadite,  and  in  a  low  tone  was  chanting  one  of  his 
favorite  psalms,  when  Ittai  came  in. 

"  I  have  mentioned,"  said  Belial,  "  that  Ittai  was 
regarded  as  a  superior  man,  of  great  delicacy  and 
refinement  of  feeling,  and  he  had  long  been  the  inti- 
mate friend  of  David.  Ittai  thought  it  no  violation  of 
the  orders  of  his  superior,  to  give  the  king  the  most 
welcome  intelligence  first. 

"  'News  from  Jerusalem,  my  lord,  O  king.' 

"  David  started  from  his  couch,  and  Ittai  went  on. 

"  'Ahithophel,  disappointed  and  in  despair  at  some 
derangement  of  his  plans,  has  hanged  himself.' 

"  '  The  Lord  reigneth  ;  let  the  earth  rejoice,'  exclaimed 
David,  raising  his  hands  and  eyes  in  an  attitude  of 
devotion;  'let  the  multitudes  of  the  isles  be  glad.' 

"  '  Our  further  advices,'  said  Ittai,  '  are  of  a  more 
gloomy  character.  The  insurgents  are  pursuing  us, 
and  will  be  near  Jordan  to-night.' 

" '  Clouds  and  darkness  are  round  about  him,'  con- 
tinued David  ;  then  adding  in  a  submissive  tone,  '  right- 


310  PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE. 

eousness  and  judgment  are  the  habitation  of  his 
throne.  Ittai,  Ave  must  prepare  for  further  flight,  if  it 
be  even  beyond  the  limits  of  the  land  of  Israel.' 

"'Your  faithful  servants,  my  lord,'  said  Ittai,  'are 
of  one  mind  —  that  further  flight  must  not  be  thought  of.' 

"  '  What  then? '  said  David  ;  '  shall  we  enter  the  city 
and  stand  a  siege  ?  But  you  see  we  are  not  prepared  : 
our  only  hope  is  in  flight.' 

"  '  Give  them  battle,'  said  Abishai,  who  now  entered 
with  the  Tachmonite.  '  We  left  them  the  throne,  the 
capital,  and  all  the  country  beyond  Jordan  ;  but  if  they 
follow  us  here,  they  shall  find  the  horrid  front  of  war, 
for  we  will  retreat  no  farther.' 

"  'We  are  not  able  to  meet  them,'  said  David :  '  they 
will  cross  Jordan  with  one  hundred  twoscore  and  ten 
thousand  men  that  draw  the  sword ;  we  cannot  muster 
the  fifteenth  part  of  that  number.' 

"  '  In  addition  to  the  fifteen  hundred  that  came  from 
Jerusalem,'  said  Abishai,  '  we  have  now  been  joined  by 
two  thousand  five  hundred  veteran  warriors,  the  sol- 
diers of  my  lord  the  king  in  other  wars.  And  the 
sons  of  Gad  and  Manasseh  will  strengthen  our  army 
with  five  thousand  more.  We  have  valor  and  disci- 
pline, and  experienced  commanders,  which  will  avail 
much  against  a  confused  and  disorganized  multitude, 
such  as  follows  Absalom.' 

"  '  We  have  duty,  and  right,  and  the  sanction  of 
God,'  said  Joab,  who  had  now  entered.  '  My  lord,  hear 
one  word  from  your  servant.  You  have  been  divinely 
called  by  the  great  Jehovah  to  rule  over  his  people. 
The  honor  of  his  name,  the  prosperity  of  his  church, 
and  the  welfare  of  his  chosen  people,  for  a  long  while 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE.  311 

to  come,  depend  on  the  decision  of  this  hour.  Be 
yourself  again,  and  trust  in  God,  and  these  troubles 
will  be  scattered  as  the  mists  of  the  morning  when  the 
sun  shines  forth.' 

"At  this,  David,  for  a  moment,  turned  deadly  pale, 
and  exclaimed,  '  Alas  !  deluded  Absalom  ! '  then  manned 
himself  by  a  strong  effort.  '  I  will  do  as  seemeth  good 
to  you.' 

"  '  Then,'  said  Joab,  '  we  will  enter  the  city,  and 
place  the  king's  person  in  safety  till  the  crisis  is  past.' 

"  The  gates  of  Mahanaim  were  accordingly  opened 
wide,  and  David  and  all  his  followers  marched  in,  and 
took  possession  of  such  accommodations  as  were  freely 
offered  by  the  citizens. 

"  This  was  a  city  given  by  the  tribe  of  Gad  to  the 
Levites,  and  Tamar,  being  the  daughter  of  Abiathar, 
the  high  priest  at  Jerusalem,  found  a  ready  and  hearty 
welcome  in  the  house  of  a  wealthy  Levite,  near  the 
gate  of  the  city.  The  splendid  mansion  rose  much 
higher  than  the  city  walls,  so  that  the  window  of  the 
elegant  suit  of  rooms  assigned  to  Tamar  not  only 
commanded  a  view  of  the  extensive  plain  before  the 
city,  but  also  gave  opportunity  of  witnessing  whatever 
might  be  transacting  immediately  before  the  gate.  At 
her  special  request,  the  family  of  Phinehas  the  Levite 
were  admitted  into  the  same  apartments  ;  Jonathan 
and  Ahimaaz  also  became  inmates  with  the  family  to 
whom  the  house  belonged.  'J'lie  name  of  this  Levite 
was  Merari. 

•'  During  the  night  and  the  following  morning,  the 
intelligence  of  Absalom's  approach  was  confirmed  by 
messenger  after  messenger.    But  as  large  bodies  cannot 


312  PREPARATIONS    FOR    BATTLT 

move  with  great  rapidity,  the  second  day  was  closed 
before  he  had  reached  the  neighborhood  of  Mahanaim. 

"In  the  mean  time,"  said  Belial,  *' the  leading  offi- 
cers of  the  army  had  held  consultation.  It  was  known 
that  the  king  designed  to  lead  the  army  to  battle  him- 
self, or  at  least  to  be  present  with  them.  This  they 
determined  to  resist,  for  two  reasons :  first,  it  would 
be  a  needless  and  unwise  exposure  of  his  person,  his 
life  being  the  great  object  sought  by  his  enemy ;  and 
secondly,  his  affection  for  Absalom  was  such  that,  in 
the  very  crisis  of  battle,  he  might  make  efforts  to  save 
him,  that  would  be  followed  by  disastrous  results.  It 
was  resolved,  that  Ittai  the  Gittite,  in  the  name  and 
behalf  of  all,  should  resolutely  oppose  the  king's  wish 
in  this  matter,  and  that  he  need  only  assign  the  first 
reason,  as  that  was  amply  sufficient. 

"  David,  in  the  mean  time,  shut  up  in  his  chamber, 
was  also  revolving  in  his  mind  plans  for  the  coming 
battle  day.  He  doubted  not  the  success  of  his  army 
against  the  insurgents.  Though  their  numbers  were 
so  far  inferior,  yet  they  were  choice  men,  and  in  such 
perfect  training,  that  he  considered  the  victory  as  next 
to  certain.  But  his  anxiety  was  to  save  Absalom.  He 
dreaded  Joab.  Joab  had  formerly  interested  himself 
much  in  Absalom's  favor,  and  was  the  moving  cause 
of  his  being  recalled,  after  he  had  fled  to  Geshur,  on 
account  of  having  killed  his  brother  Amnon  ;  but  soon 
after  Absalom's  return  to  Jerusalem,  Joab  discovered 
unquestionable  indications  of  that  restless  ambition 
which  afterwards  convulsed  the  whole  kingdom.  For 
this  reason  Joab  was  unwilling  to  have  any  agency  in 
putting  Absalom  forward  in  the  king's  court.    Absalom 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE.  313 

sent  for  him  again  and  again,  bnt  he   quietly  declined 
lending  him  his  influence.     And  it  was  not   until  Ab- 
salom became  importunate,  and,  indeed,  almost  frantic, 
that  Joab  consented  to  procure   for  him  an  interview 
with  the  king.    (2  Sam.  xiv.  29— 33.)    When  the  first 
news  of  the  insurrection  reached  Jerusalem,  Joab  alone 
showed  no  surprise.     He  promptly  proposed  to  check 
the  conflagration  by  firing  against  it.     He  wished  to 
marshal  the  troops  that  were  at  hand,  rush  to  meet  the 
insurgents,  surprise  and  disperse  them.     He  then  be- 
lieved that  this  could  be  done.     The  blow  aimed  at 
the  kingdom  of  David   warded  oft',  his  throne  would 
scarcely  feel  the  shock ;  and  even  Absalom  might  be 
saved,  though  on  the  brink  of  ruin.     But  this  counsel, 
through  parental  tenderness,  was  rejected  by  the  king. 
The   order  was  to  fly  before   the   storm,   and   let   the 
rebels   take  the  city.     When   David   and   his   servant 
were   told  how   Absalom   had    insulted  and    outraged 
his  father's  family,  which  he   had   left   at   Jerusalem, 
Joab   became   perfectly  silent   in   relation  to  Absalom. 
He  no  more  mentioned  his  name  in  the  presence  of  his 
father,  and  this  silence  struck  David  as  ominous.      He 
therefore  labored  to  form  such  a  plan  that  Absalom,  if 
captured  on  the  defeat  of  his  army,  might  fall  into  the 
hands  of  some  other  officer  than  Joab.     Joab  was  com- 
mander-in-chief of  the  army.      For  this  high  office  he 
had  paid  a  high  consideration,  by  storming  the  strong 
castle  of  the  Jebusites.     But  Joab,  brave  and  magnani- 
mous, was  not  at  all  tenacious  of  punctilios,  in  iiis  in- 
tercourse with  his  uncle,  the  king ;  and  David  thought 
that  for  the  one  day,  he  could  manage  that  Joab  should 
command  but  one  third  of  the  army.     So  he  resolved 
27 


314 


PREPARATIONS    FOR    BATTLE. 


to  divide  the  forces  collected  around  him  into  three 
parts,  and  put  Ittai  the  Gittite  at  the  head  of  one  divis- 
ion, Abishai  at  the  head  of  another,  and  Joab  with 
the  third.  Thus  the  likelihood  would  be,  two  to  one, 
that  Absalom,  if  taken,  would  not  fall  into  Joab's  hands  ; 
and  to  guard  that  point,  David  resolved  to  go  with 
Joab's  division  himself,  and  should  Absalom  be  taken 
there,  he  hoped,  by  his  personal  influence,  to  be  able  to 
save  him.  The  plan  looked  plausible  and  promising, 
and,  relieved  in  some  measure  from  the  agony  of  pain- 
ful apprehensions,  he  sunk  into  a  deep  sleep,  until 
waked  by  the  military  trumpets  at  the  dawn  of  day. 

"  The  morning  light  of  the  third  day  disclosed  to  the 
view  of  the  watchman,  on  the  towers  of  Mahanaim, 
the  extended  and  formidable  array  of  Absalom's  army. 
They  had  halted  in  the  skirts  of  the  wood  of  Ephraim, 
and  though  the  intervening  plain  was  wide,  yet  from 
the  top  of  the  walls,  their  long  martial  lines  could  be 
distinctly  seen.  Their  numbers  appeared  immense, 
stretching  to  the  north  and  south  farther  than  the  eye 
could  reach.  At  regular  distances  along  the  line  were 
seen  the  standards  of  the  several  tribes,  each  with  the 
ensign  of  the  house  of  their  father.  Full  in  view,  and 
directly  in  front  of  the  city  gate,  appeared  '  The  Lion 
of  the  Tribe  of  Judah,'  now  distinct,  and  now  obscure, 
as  the  banner  rose  and  sunk  on  the  morning  breeze  ; 
and  there  also  appeared  the  sons  of  Issachar  and  Zebu- 
Ion,  each  under  their  appropriate  standard :  on  the 
north  was  unfurled  the  broad  banner  of  Ephraim,  with 
all  the  pomp  and  haughty  pretensions  so  characteristic 
of  that  tribe ;  the  sons  of  Benjamin  were  near,  many  a 
chief  of  renown  and  brilliant  prospects  while  the  house 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE.  315 

of  Saul  was  in  power  ;  but  the  hopes  of  Benjamin  had 
experienced  a  dark  eclipse  in  the  downfall  of  that  ad- 
ministration. A  small  body  also  of  the  sons  of  Ma- 
nasseh,  from  the  west  side  of  the  river,  were  in  this 
division  of  the  army. 

"  On  the  south  of  Judali  arose  the  standard  of  Dan, 
and  Asher  and  Naphtali  were  there  ;  and  yet  farther 
on  was  seen  the  standard  of  Reuben,  and  Simeon  was 
near  ;  but  the  sons  of  Gad,  who,  in  the  arrangement 
of  the  tribes  by  Moses,  were  classed  in  this  division, 
had  with  one  heart  refused  to  join  in  the  rebellion,  and 
no  banner  of  theirs  appeared  in  Absalom's  army. 

"  Just  as  the  sun  had  risen,  Joab  ascended  the  lof- 
tiest tower  in  ]Mahanaim,  and  standing  motionless  as  a 
pillar,  with  his  experienced  military  eye,  reconnoitred 
this  vast  multitude  for  the  space  of  three  quarters  of  an 
hour.  He  then  descended,  and,  in  company  with  his 
brother  and  Ittai,  went  to  the  king,  and  said,  — 

"  '  We  wait  your  commands,  my  lord.' 

"'I  will  put  our  forces,'  said  David,  'into  three  di- 
visions. Ittai  shall  command  one,  Abishai  another, 
and  you,  Joab,  shall  command  the  third ;  and  with  you 
I  will  go  njyself.' 

"  Each  expressed  his  cordial  approbation  of  the 
arrangement.  '  But,'  said  Ittai,  promptly  and  earnestly, 
'from  the  last  proposition,  my  lord,  in  the  name  of  all 
your  majesty's  friends,  I  must  beg  leave  strongly  to 
dissent.  Your  life,  my  lord,  is  the  object  of  all  this 
insurgent  army.  The  destruction  of  your  life  is  their 
chief  and  only  aim.  Your  life  must  not  be  placed 
within  their  reach,  by  going  to  the  battle-field.  You 
must  remain  in  the  city ;  we  will  try  the  fortune  of 


316 


PREPARATIONS    FOR    BATTLE. 


war.  If  we  are  vanquished,  they  have  accomplished 
but  little.  If  the  half  of  us  die  on  the  field,  they  have 
accomplished  but  little.  While  your  life  is  safe,  the 
hope  of  the  church,  the  hope  of  the  kingdom,  is  safe. 
To  these  great  interests  you  are  worth  more  than  ten 
thousand  of  us.  Remain,  therefore,  in  the  city,  and 
let  your  servants  go  to  the  battle-field.' 

"It  was  evident,"  said  Belial,  "that  David  yielded 
this  point  with  great  reluctance  ;  but  the  princes  and 
commanders  were  unanimous,  decided,  and  firm.  After 
a  little  hesitation  he  said,  — 

"  '  My  tried  and  faithful  friends,  I  will  do  whatever 
seems  best  to  you.' 

"'Be  pleased,  then,'  said  Joab,  'to, take  your  stand 
at  the  gate,  and  speak  an  encouraging  word  to  the  sol- 
diers as  they  pass.' 

"  David  now  stood  in  the  gate.  It  was  the  expecta- 
tion of  all,  that  he  would  remind  the  soldiers  of  his 
wrongs,  and  urge  them  to  be  valiant,  and  regain  his 
crown,  his  palace,  his  kingdom;  but,  to  the  astonish- 
ment of  all,  now  on  the  very  eve  of  a  battle  which 
must  be  decisive,  the  king  was  wholly  lost  in  the  father. 
His  only  and  oft-repeated  charge  was,  '  Deal  gently,  for 
my  sake,  with  the  young  man,  even  with  Absalom.' 

"When  the  first  column  came  up,  with  the  chief, 
commander  at  its  head,  'Joab,'  said  he,  'for  my  sake, 
deal  gently  with  Absalom.  He  is  young  ;  he  is  rash, 
and  has  done  wrong  ;  but  when  you  meet  him,  think 
of  me,  and  for  my  sake  deal  gently  with  him.'  Then, 
as  the  columns  swept  by,  '  Soldiers,  for  my  sake,  deal 
gently  with  Absalom.'  And  he  kept  repeating  the 
charge  till  every  soldier  in  Joab's  division  had  heard. 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE.  317 

Then  the  powerful  figure  of  Abishai  approached  at  the 
head  of  his  men:  'Abishai,  my  firm  and  long-tried 
friend,  for  my  sake,  deal  gently  with  Absalom.'  And 
again  he  repeated  the  charge,  naming  now  and  then  a 
subaltern  personally  known  to  him,  till  all  the  men  in 
that  division  had  heard.  Then  came  the  warriors  led 
by  Ittai  the  Gittite.  '  Ittai,'  said  the  king,  '  deal  gently 
with  Absalom,  for  my  sake.  Soldiers,  for  my  sake, 
deal  gently  with  Absalom.'  Tears  sprung  to  many  an 
eye,  and  rippled  over  many  a  Aveather-beaten  face,  as 
officers  and  soldiers  passed  along ;  for  they  were  fa- 
thers, and  brothers,  and  sons,  and  forcibly  were  they 
reminded  of  the  strong  affections  that  encircled  their 
own  firesides  at  home. 

'• '  Wonderful ! '  exclaimed  Ittai  the  Gittite,  address- 
ing Jonathan,  as  he  wiped  his  eyes  and  cheeks,  — 
'  wonderful  the  affection  of  a  father  for  his  son  !  ' 

"  '  And  wonderful,'  said  Jonathan,  pointing  to  the 
array  of  Absalom's  army,  '  the  rebellion  of  a  son  against 
his  father  ! ' 

" '  How  they  contrast  with  each  other  !  '  said  Ittai. 
'Here  is  David  anxious,  above  all  things,  to  save  the 
life  of  Absalom.' 

"  '  And  there  is  Absalom,'  said  Jonathan,  '  anxious, 
above  all  things,  to  destroy  the  life  of  David.' 

"  '  It  shows  us,'  said  Ittai,  '  how  kind  a  father  can 
be  to  the  worst  of  children.' 

"  '  Yes,'  said  Jonathan,  '  and  how  base  a  child  can 
be  to  the  best  of  fathers.' 

"'I  know  not  where  to  find  a  parallel,' said  Ittai, 
'unless  it  be  in  God's  unmerited  kindness  to  man.' 

"  'And,'  said  Jonathan,  '  in  man's  unprovoked  rebel- 
lion against  God.' 

27* 


3  IS 


PREPARATIONS    FOR    BATTLE. 


s; '  Por  mi/  sake  !  for  mi/  sake  !  '  repeated  Tttai, 
dwelling  on  the  clause.  '  Did  yon  notice  how  he  em- 
phasized those  words  ?  Strange,  when  it  is  his  crown, 
his  kingdom,  his  life,  against  which  the  rebel  has  risen 
up.  *'  Deal  gently,  for  w??/  sake,  with  the  young  man, 
even  with  Absalom."  ' 

"  '  It  is  the  argument  of  mercy,'  answered  Jonathan, 
'  the  great  argument  of  mercy.  In  the  rebel  himself 
there  is  no  merit,  no  claim  to  favor.  It  must  be  found 
elsewhere.  God  shows  compassion  to  sinners  for  his 
great  name  sake.'' 

"  The  army  was  now  drawn  up  before  the  gate  of 
the  city,  and  some  necessary  arrangements  were  in 
progress  preparatory  to  their  march. 

"  '  Mother  !  mother  !  come  here  !  '  cried  the  eldest 
son  of  Phinehas  the  Levite  as  he  looked  from  the  win- 
dow of  the  house  of  Merari ;  *  here  is  a  man  whose 
face  and  hands  are  perfectly  black.' 

"  •'  Who  is  he  ?  '  said  the  mother  to  Ahimaaz,  who 
was  now  in  the  room. 

"  '  That  is  Joab's  man,  Cushi,  the  Ethiopian,'  an- 
swered Ahimaaz.  '  He  was  made  captive  some  years 
ago,  when  a  roving  band  of  his  people  broke  into  the 
country ;  but  he  has  since  behaved  himself  very  well, 
and  Joab  treats  him  with  some  attention.' 

"  '  But  who  are  these  ? '  asked  the  woman,  still  look- 
ing from  the  window  —  '  these  with  the  bright  armor, 
whose  uniform  is  so  exact,  and  their  height  so  nearly 
equal  ? ' 

"  '  They  are  the  Cherethites  and  Pelethiles.'  said 
Ahimaaz.  '  You  have  often  heard  them  spoken  of  as 
Joab's  men ;  they  are  beyond  doubt  the  best  soldiers 
of  the  age.' 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE.  319 

'' '  There  is  another  company,'  said  the  woman, 
'  though  not  so  large,  but  equally  well  armed.  Who 
are  they  ? ' 

"  '  Those  are  the  life-guards,'  said  Ahimaaz,  '  who 
are  usually  about  the  king's  person.  They  are  gener- 
ally led  by  Abishai.' 

"  '  There  is  a  leirger  company  beyond,  but  they  seem 
older  men :  many  of  them  are  gray-headed,  and  their 
armor  is  not  so  bright :  who  are  they  ? ' 

'' '  Those  are  the  volunteers.  They  were  formerly 
in  David's  army ;  but  for  some  years  had  retired  to 
private  life.  Yet  now,  hearing  of  this  rebellion,  they 
have  taken  up  arms  again,  to  assist  King  David  to 
regain  his  throne.' 

"  '  Noble-hearted  and  generous  men ! '  said  the  wo- 
man ;  '  may  the  Lord  bless  them  !  I  hope  they  will  be 
successful.  But,  Ahimaaz,  what  company  is  that,  armed 
with  bows  and  arrows  ?  They  appear,  from  their  dress, 
like  country  people,  who  are  not  soldiers  by  profes- 
sion ;  and  yet  their  countenances  are  very  bold  and 
courageous.' 

"  '  They  are  the  sons  of  Gad,'  said  Ahimaaz  :  'ah, 
their  faces  are  like  the  faces  of  lions,  and  they  are  swift 
as  the  roes  upon  the  mountains.' 

"  '  I  see  beyond  them  still  another  company  that 
look  like  men  from  the  country,  though  they  are  all 
equipped  for  war.' 

"  '  Yes,'  said  Ahimaaz,  '  they  are  the  sons  of  Manas- 
seh,  from  the  country  east  of  Jordan.  But  I  must  not 
detain  — I  have  just  come  to  bid  you  all  farewell,  be- 
fore going  into  the  battle.' 

"  '  Ahimaaz,'  said  Tamar,  coming  from  the  door  of 


320  PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE. 

an  adjoining  room,  'King  David  stays  in  the  city,  does 
he  not  ? ' 

"  '  That  is  the  plan  adopted,'  answered  Ahimaaz. 

"  '  Well,  should  not  some  of  you  stay,  and  guard  the 
king  ?  Would  it  not  be  best  for  you  and  brother  Jon- 
athan to  stay  and  take  care  of  the  king  ? ' 

"'Don't  speak  of  it,'  said  Ahimaaz:  all  depends  on 
the  success  of  this  battle.  I  must  be  at  my  post  to 
sound  the  silver  trumpet  for  the  onset.  Think  of  us, 
Tamar,  in  your  prayers.' 

"  '  Ahimaaz,'  said  Tamar,  '  if  duty  to  your  king  and 
country,  and  the  cause  of  Zion,  call  you,  I  will  not 
say  stay ;  but  I  will  stand  at  that  window  and  watch.' 
Her  voice  trembled.  '  I  will  watch  at  that  window  ; 
don't  let  me  be  long  in  suspense.' 

"  '  The  Lord  bless  you  and  keep  you,'  said  Ahim- 
aaz, and  left  the  room  as  if  forcing  himself  away. 

"  The  trumpets  sounded,  and  the  army  moved  from 
the  gate  in  the  most  perfect  order,  and  halted  again 
near  the  centre  of  the  plain.  The  multitudes  who  had 
taken  up  arms  for  Absalom  were  now  full  in  view. 
Not  only  could  the  banners,  spread  on  the  breeze,  be 
distinguished,  but  the  person  of  each  renowned  chief 
of  Judah,  Ephraim,  Reuben,  and  Dan,  as,  mounted  on 
their  mettled  and  fiery  war-horses,  they  rode  along  the 
line,  putting  the  men  in  the  best  order  for  the  expected 
action,  and  animating  them  by  every  motive  to  deeds 
of  valor,  for  the  establishment  of  Absalom's  throne. 
It  was  now  ascertained  that  they  outnumbered  the 
army  of  David  in  proportion  of  twenty  to  one  ;  and 
many  nobles  were  there,  anxious  to  distinguish  them- 
selves in  this  memorable  field,  and  thus  become  the 
favorites  of  the  young  king. 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE.  321 

"  Some  men  are  '  born  to  command,'  and,  notwith- 
standing David's  precantions,  no  sooner  was  the  enemy- 
near,  than  all  felt  that  Joab  was  commander-in-chief. 

"  At  this  juncture,  a  prince  of  Manasseh,  somewhat 
vain,  and  putTed  up  with  a  conceit  of  his  capacity  for 
war,  pushed  forward,  and  spoke  to  the  commander. 
This  was  his  third  attempt  to  interfere.  '  I  learn,'  said 
he,  '  that  the  enemy  design  to  outflank  us ;  would  it 
not  be  better,  instead  of  attacking  their  main  body,  to 
change  your  plan,  and  attack  one  extremity  of  their 
line?     Thus  we  should  be  certain  to  succeed.' 

"  '  Captain,'  said  Joab,  '  I  shall  be  much  obliged  to 
you,  if  you  will  give  me  more  of  your  service,  and 
less  of  your  advice.'  The  officer  bowed  low,  in  deep 
silence,  and  fell  back  to  his  place. 

"  '  Outflank  ! '  whispered  Ahimaaz  to  Jonathan;  'Joab 
intends  to  make  flanks  in  the  centre  of  their  army.' 

"  A  brief  council  of  war  was  now  called.  When 
they  met,  Ittai  the  Gittite,  in  a  voice  that  almost 
faltered,  hurried  forth  two  questions  in  one  breath. 

"  '  Will  they  stand  obstinately  ?  Have  we  any  pros- 
pect of  success  ? ' 

'•'■  Joab  fixed  his  piercing  eyes  steadily  on  Ittai.  'Ask 
me  if  they  will  stand  obstinately  before  a  stream  of 
fiery  lava,  poured  from  the  summit  of  a  burning  moun- 
tain ?  Success  !  Has  the  lightning  any  prospect  of  suc- 
cess when  its  livid  stream  has  touched  the  topmost 
bough  of  the  oak  on  Bashan  ?  Absalom's  chief  reliance 
is  on  the  princes  of  Judah.  They  are  valiant  men,  but 
their  discipline  is  nothing. 

"'Ittai,  take  the  Tachmonite  with  your  division, 
and  front  the  standard  of  Dan.' 


322  PREPARATIONS  TOR  BATTLE. 

"  '  Abishai,  take  Eleazar,  the  son  of  Dodo,  with  your 
division,  and  front  the  standard  of  Ephrairn  ;  each  ap- 
proach within  one  hundred  paces  of  the  foe ;  then  stand. 
They  will  not  advance  on  you.  Keep  the  standard  of 
Judah  in  your  eye,  while  I  lead  my  division  against 
the  centre  of  their  line.  When  you  see  the  standard 
of  Judah  driven  back,  then  shout,  "Judah  flies  !  "  and 
charge  for  country,  and  king,  and  the  Zion  of  our  God. 
And  Jehovah's  will  be  done.' 

"  '  But,'  said  Joab,  in  a  lower  tone,  '  what  of  Absa- 
lom? ' 

"  '  How? '  said  Ittai  and  Abishai  at  the  same  moment. 
'  What  shall  we  do  with  Absalom  ? ' 

"  '  O,'  said  Ittai,  '  you  know  the  king's  charge.  If 
we  can  defeat  his  army,  we  must  let  him  escape.' 

"  '  That  will  not  do,'  said  Abishai ;  '  the  rebellion  is 
too  general.  The  revolted  princes  will  not  return  to 
their  allegiance,  if  Absalom  is  at  liberty  to  head  them 
again.  We  must  secure  his  person.  Take  him  captive, 
if  possible,  but  do  him  no  injury.' 

"  *  You  err,'  said  Joab ;  '  you  both  err.  Absalom  must 
die.     I  take  the  responsibility.' 

"  '  Herald ! '  said  he,  calling  a  young  officer ;  '  go, 
make  known  through  the  army,  that  Joab  will  give  ten 
shekels  of  silver  and  a  girdle  to  the  soldier  who  will 
smite  Absalom.' 

"  Joab  now  gave  the  word  of  command,  and  instantly 
the  army  was  thrown  into  a  hollow  square.  In  the 
centre  was  a  little  eminence.  Towards  this  he  moved, 
in  company  with  Abishai  and  Ittai  the  Gittite.  His 
dress  was  plain,  but  exceedingly  neat,  exhibiting  his 
fine  figure,  his  strong  and  active  person,  to  the  best 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE.  323 

advantage  ;  his  step  was  firm  and  confident ;  his  eye 
serene  and  bright ;  his  manner  calm,  collected,  and 
resolute.  Many  veteran  soldiers  had  now  joined  the 
army,  whom  he  had  led  in  former  wars  to  victory  and 
conquest.  At  the  sight  of  their  old  favorite  general  so 
near,  their  ardor  was  uncontrollable.  Cheers,  shouts, 
and  bursts  of  military  devotion,  arose  on  all  sides,  as 
Joab  ascended  the  little  eminence  to  make  a  brief 
address. 

"  '  Soldiers  ! '  said  he ;  and  the  loud  tones  of  his  melo- 
dious voice  hushed  every  whisper,  and  brought  to  him 
every  eye  —  '  soldiers  !  the  cause  in  which  you  are 
armed  to-day,  is  the  cause  of  your  God,  your  country, 
and  your  king.  This  is  the  land  which  Jehovah 
promised  to  Abraham,  to  Isaac,  and  to  Jacob.  Here 
he  hath  planted  his  covenant  people  ;  here  he  hath 
said  they  shall  flourish  and  grow  like  the  cedars  of 
Lebanon.  Or,  shall  I  change  the  figure,  and  say  that, 
while  surrounding  nations  are  covered  with  the  blight 
and  mildew  of  heathenism,  here  he  hath  planted  that 
beautiful  vine,  which  he  brought  out  of  Egypt  ?  Here 
he  hath  said  it  shall  take  deep  root,  and  spread,  till  it 
hath  covered  Tabor,  and  Hermon,  and  Gilead,  and 
Carmel,  with  the  valleys  between  ;  yes,  till  it  hath 
fringed  with  living  green  the  borders  of  every  stream, 
from  the  river  of  Egypt  to  the  great  Euphrates,  and 
hung  its  rich  clusters  on  rock,  and  hill,  and  mountain- 
peak,  from  the  Sea  of  Arabia  to  the  Great  Sea  westward. 
The  wild  boar  from  the  wood  hath  sought  to  waste 
and  destroy  this  vine.  Jehovah  hath  appointed  his 
servant,  David,  to  dress  and  to  keep  it.  By  the  anoint- 
ing oil  of  the  prophet   Samuel,  he  was  consecrated  to 


324  PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLK. 

this  sacred  charge.  His  kingdom  is  from  God,  and  it 
cannot  be  moved. 

"  '  Are  any  appalled  at  the  magnitude  of  the  host 
that  is  risen  up  against  you  ?  I  ask  you  to  call  to  mind 
what  our  fathers  have  told  of  the  works  of  Israel's 
God  in  Egypt,  at  the  Red  Sea,  and  at  the  first  entrance 
of  the  tribes  into  Canaan.  I  ask  you  to  call  to  mind 
the  unfailing  help  of  God  in  dark  and  trying  days, 
within  the  period  of  your  own  remembrance.  I  see 
around  me  those  who  remember  the  scenes  of  Keilah 
and  of  Ziklag  —  men  who  can  tell  the  tale  of  the  strong 
hold  of  Adullam,  and  the  cave  of  En-gedi ;  men  who 
have  traversed  the  deserts  of  Paran,  the  forests  of  Ziph, 
and  the  wilderness  of  Maon.  Yes,  I  see  around  me 
the  men  who  drew  the  sword  at  the  pool  of  Gibeon. 
Soldiers  !  have  you  forgotten  the  brave,  the  generous, 
the  unparalleled  Asahel  ? '  His  voice  trembled  a  mo- 
ment ;  then,  raising  his  eyes,  and  his  clasped  hands,  he 
exclaimed,  '  Departed  brother,  thou  art  not  forgotten ! 
Thy  memory  is  embalmed  forever  in  the  soldier's 
heart ! '  Many  a  strong  warrior  bowed  his  head  and  let 
fall  the  big  tear  to  the  memory  of  the  valiant  Asahel. 

"  After  a  moment's  pause,  he  went  on  :  '  Call  to  mind 
the  fields  on  which  you  have  vanquished  the  stubborn 
sons  of  Moab,  the  wild  and  warlike  Edomite,  the 
countless  hosts  of  Syria,  and  the  fierce  and  gigantic 
Philistines :  each  is  an  Ebenezer  of  assurance  that  the 
God  of  your  fathers  will  be  with  you  now. 

"  '  Yon  rebel  host,  with  a  rebel  and  profligate  prince 
at  their  head,  are  now  pale  with  fear,  and  trembling  at 
the  heart.  At  your  attack,  they  will  be  scattered  like 
chaff  before  the  whirlwind.     The  shrewd  and  crafty 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE.  325 

Ahithophel  foresaw  their  doom,  and  hanged  himself, 
rather  than  share  in  their  overthrow.'  Then,  pointing 
upward  his  long,  glittering  sword,  and  holding  it  steady 
at  the  full  length  of  his  extended  arm,  he  exclaimed, 
'  Trust  in  that  God  who  divided  the  Red  Sea,  rolled 
back  the  overflowing  tide  of  Jordan,  and  stopped  the 
sun  and  the  moon  in  heaven,  that  the  cause  of  his 
covenant  people  might  prevail.  King  David  will  yet 
lead  you  back  in  triumph  to  Jerusalem.  You  will  again 
see  him  on  the  throne,  with  the  sceptre  in  his  hand, 
and  the  crown  upon  his  head.  His  kingdom  shall 
endure  ;  Israel  shall  be  a  blessing  ;  Messiah  shall  come, 
and  the  whole  earth  shall  be  filled  with  the  name  and 
the  glory  of  Israel's  God.' 

"  Bright  weapons,  that  flashed  back  the  rays  of  the 
sun,  now  waved  over  all  the  host,  while  the  soldiers 
rent  the  air  with  reiterated  shouts  of  enthusiasm,  that 
startled  the  multitude  in  Absalom's  army. 

''  Joab  now  looked  around.  '  Abiathar,'  said  he,  '  is 
not  here  ;  Jonathan,  give  to  the  army  the  charge  which 
Moses  commanded.'  Jonathan  drew  near  to  the  com- 
mander, and  lifting  up  his  voice,  repeated  the  address  en- 
joined in  the  twentieth  chapter  of  Deuteronomy:  '  Hear, 
O  Israel !  Ye  approach  this  day  unto  battle  against  your 
enemies :  let  not  your  hearts  faint,  fear  not,  and  do  not 
tremble,  neither  be  ye  terrified  because  of  them ;  for 
the  Lord  your  God  is  he  that  goeth  with  you,  to  fight 
for  you  against  your  enemies,  to  save  you.'  " 

28 


326  THE    BATTLE. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

THE    BATTLE. 

"At  the  close  of  the  address  of  Jonathan,"  said 
Belial,  "  a  few  moments  passed  in  profound  silence  ; 
then,  at  a  signal  from  the  commander,  Abishai  and  Ittai 
filed  off  with  their  troops  to  the  right  and  left,  and  took 
their  appointed  stations  in  front  of  the  standards  of 
Ephraim  and  of  Dan.  Joab  remained  marshalling  his 
men  till  the  other  two  divisions  of  the  army  had  halted. 
He  put  the  Cherethites  and  Pelethites  with  the  mighty- 
men,  in  front ;  next  these  he  placed  one  thousand  vete- 
ran warriors,  proved  and  tried  in  former  battles ;  in  the 
rear  of  all  he  put  a  large  body  of  archers  of  the  tribe  of 
Gad,  renowned  for  strength  and  skill  in  handling  the 
bow;  each  archer  was  also  girded  with  a  sword.  His 
division  numbered  about  twenty-five  hundred  men. 
He  gave  the  proper  directions,  and  they  moved  with 
quick,  but  regular  and  orderly  step,  towards  the  foe. 
When  within  thirty  paces  of  the  centre  of  Judah's  line, 
the  swordsmen  and  spearsmen  dropped  on  their  knees, 
bending  forward,  and  covering  their  heads  and  bodies 
with  their  shields  :  the  archers  of  Gad  now  brought 
the  bowstring  to  their  ear,  and  a  shower  of  death  was 
driven  over  the  heads  of  their  comrades  right  on  Judah's 
thick  array.     The  shriek,  moan,  and  dying  cry  arose, 


THE    BATTLE.  327 

mingled  with  the  shrill  clangor  of  the  trumpet  of  Ahi- 
maaz,  sounding  the  onset.  The  warriors  sprung  to 
their  feet  with  the  quickness  of  thought,  and  charged 
on  Judah  with  the  speed  of  lightning.  It  was  the 
descent  of  the  avalanche,  rent  by  an  earthquake  from 
the  awful  brow  of  a  frozen  mountain,  that  uproots  the 
rocks  in  its  course,  bends  and  crushes  the  tall,  strong 
forest,  and  overwhelms  all  before  it  in  undistinguished 
ruin. 

''The  standard  of  Judah  Avas  driven  back,  but  not 
far.  Ahimelech,  the  standard-bearer,  was  cut  down  by 
the  sword  of  Elhanan,  one  of  the  mighty  men,  who 
seized  the  standard  and  dashed  it  to  the  earth  ;  while 
prince  and  peasant,  officer  and  soldier,  fell  on  every  hand, 
like  ripe  corn,  in  the  harvest  field,  before  the  reapers. 

"  Abishai,  in  like  manner,  carried  all  before  him,  at 
the  first  onset.  Ephraim  and  Benjamin  fled,  after  a 
very  feeble  resistance.  But  the  sons  of  Dan,  Asher, 
and  Naphtali,  animated  by  the  presence  of  Absalom, 
fought  more  obstinately.  The  watchful  eye  of  Absa- 
lom had  marked  the  arrangement  of  David's  army.  A 
deserter  had  told  him  of  his  father's  charge,  that  none 
should  do  him  injury.  He  knew  this  charge  would  be 
regarded  by  the  Gittites,  but  he  doubted  Joab  and  Abi- 
shai. He  was  anxious  to  avoid,  in  the  battle-field,  an 
encounter  with  either  of  the  sons  of  Zeruiah.  On  see- 
ing the  Gittites  planting  themselves  before  the  sons  of 
Dan,  he  resolved  to  give  his  personal  influence  there. 
He  was  eloquent,  brave,  and  not  unskilled  in  war. 
Cheered  by  his  presence,  and  encouraged  by  his  elo- 
quence, the  Danites  were  fighting  hand  to  hand  with 
the  men  from  Gath.     Though  greatly  inferior  in  dis- 


328  THE    BATTLE. 

cipline,  they  were  equal  in  courage,  and  far  superior  in 
numbers.  Absalom  was  in  the  foremost  rank,  exhort- 
ing, commanding,  and  promising  rewards.  Yet  none 
of  the  Gittites  would  do  him  harm,  such  Avas  their 
veneration  for  David. 

"  The  perfect  disciphne  of  the  Gittites  carried  all 
before  them  at  each  charge ;  but  at  the  call  of  Absalom, 
the  sons  of  Dan  would  rally  and  return  to  the  fight. 
The  soHd  body,  headed  by  Ittai,  had  ploughed  through 
their  thick  array  again  and  again  ;  and  again  and  again, 
exhorted  by  Absalom,  they  had  returned  and  renewed 
the  attack.  When  Absalom,  seeing  at  a  distance  a 
powerful  Danite  chief,  with  a  fresh  body  of  troops, 
called  him  by  name,  '  Zuri !  advance  with  your  men, 
and  turn  the  fortune  of  the  day.'  He  came  like  the 
fierce  panther,  raving  and  furious,  and  sprang  upon  the 
foe.  Absalom  threw  himself  by  his  side,  hoping  much 
from  this  assault ;  but  the  spear  of  Jashobeam,  the 
Tachmonite,  met  Zuri  as  he  rushed  on,  and  ran  through 
shield,  breastplate,  and  body,  and  came  out  half  a  cu- 
bit's length  behind  his  shoulders.  With  one  frightful 
scream,  he  leaped  high  from  the  earth,  then  fell  in 
the  struggles  of  death  at  the  feet  of  Absalom's  mule. 
Frightened  at  this,  or  from  some  unknown  cause,  it 
dashed  off  with  uncontrollable  fury,  through  the  con- 
fused multitude,  towards  the  point  from  which  the  hosts 
of  Judah  had  fled.  A  huge  oak  was  there,  with  hori- 
zontal branches,  that  ran  out  some  distance  from  the 
trunk.  Under  this  the  mule  rushed  at  full  speed  :  Ab- 
salom's neck  was  driven  in  between  two  limbs  up  to 
the  fork.  He  was  hung  by  the  head,  and  the  mule, 
caieless  of  its  rider,  left  him,  and  continued  its  flight. 


THE    BATTLE.  329 

"  One  of  the  soldiers  saw  it,  and  ran,  and  told  Joab, 
*  Behold,  I  saw  Absalom,  hanged  in  an  oak  ! ' 

"  '  Did  you  smite  him  there  to  the  ground  ? '  said  Joab. 

"  *  No,'  answered  the  soldier,  '  for  it  would  have  been 
certain  ruin  to  myself.' 

"'I  would  have  given  thee  ten  shekels  of  silver  and 
a  girdle,'  said  Joab. 

"  '  Excuse  me  from  sacrificing  my  life,'  answered  the 
soldier :  '  a  thousand  shekels  of  silver  would  be  no  in- 
ducement, for  the  king  would  soon  be  told  who  it  was 
that  killed  his  son,  and  from  the  charge  he  gave  to  you 
and  all  the  army,  I  know  that  the  man  who  smites 
Absalom  must  fall  under  the  king's  hot  displeasure, 
and  most  likely  lose  his  life.' 

" '  It  is  essential  to  the  safety  of  the  country,'  said 
Joab.  '  The  patriot  should  look  at  that  first,  and  abide 
the  consequences.     Where  is  he  ? ' 

"  The  soldier  pointed  to  the  tree.  And  Joab  took 
three  darts  in  his  hand,  and  went  and  drove  them 
through  the  heart  of  Absalom,  as  he  hanged  in  the  oak. 

"  The  moment  Joab  was  satisfied  that  Absalom  was 
dead,  he  considered  the  great  question  as  now  settled  ; 
and  to  stop  the  needless  effusion  of  blood,  he  took  the 
trumpet,  and  gave  a  blast,  which  his  soldiers  well  un- 
derstood, announcing  that,  now  the  victory  was  com- 
plete, they  must  stop  from  further  slaughter,  for  Absa- 
lom's army  had  fled  through  the  wood  of  Ephraim, 
and  the  servants  of  David  were  upon  them  in  all  direc- 
tions, and  there  were  more  slain  in  their  flight  through 
the  wood,  than  were  slain  in  the  battle,  while  they 
attempted  to  fight  with  the  sword. 

"As  soon  as  the  trumpet  blast  and  the  loud  echoes 
28* 


330  THE    BATTLE, 

that  followed  had  died  away,  the  young  men  that 
attended  Joab,  took  Absalom  down  from  the  tree,  and 
cast  him  into  a  great  pit  in  the  wood,  and  then  the 
soldiers  threw  a  very  great  heap  of  stones  upon  him. 
It  was  the  monument  of  a  rebellious  son.  This  heap 
of  stones  is  still  to  be  seen.  It  was  long  a  custom  in 
that  country  for  the  traveller  who  passed  by  that  place, 
to  take  up  a  stone  and  throw  it  on  that  heap,  and  say, 
'  Thus  shall  it  be  done  to  the  rebellious  son.' 

Beelzebub,  who  had  been  attentive  and  silent  all  this 
while,  now  spoke  up  :  — 

"  Is  there  not  an  impression  among  men  that  viola- 
tions of  the  fifth  commandment,  '  Honor  thy  father  and 
thy  mother,'  are  punished  sooner  than  other  sins  ?  " 

''There  is  such  an  impression,"  said  Belial,  "and  it 
is  the  result  of  long  experience  and  observation.  If 
you  wish  to  bring  destruction  upon  a  youth  speedily, 
tempt  him  to  rebel  against  his  parents.  There  are  some 
sins,  the  punishment  of  which  divine  justice  seems  to 
delay  long,  perhaps  until  the  man  has  reached  the  eter- 
nal world  by  the  tide  of  years.  But  disobedience  to 
parents  is  a  sin,  which,  it  appears,  the  vengeance  of 
Heaven  will  not  endure,  and  the  offender  is  often  struck 
down  before  he  is  half  way  along  the  journey  of  life." 

"Does  not  Solomon,"  said  Beelzebub,  "use  some 
strong  language  on  this  subject  ? " 

"  He  does,"  answered  Belial.  "  His  words  are  these  : 
'  The  eye  that  mocketh  at  his  father,  and  despiseth  to 
obey  his  mother,  the  ravens  of  the  valley  shall  pick  it 
out,  and  the  young  eagles  shall  eat  it.'  I  have  long," 
said  Belial,  "  been  an  obsen^er  of  the  affairs  of  men, 
but  I  have  never  yet  seen  a  notoriously  disobedient  son 


THE    BATTLE.  331 

live  to  be  a  useful,  respectable,  or  happy  man.     It  is  a 
sin  that  God  punishes  speedily." 

"Just  so,"  answered  Beelzebub;  "  but  I  would  not 
break  in  upon  your  narrative.     Go  on." 

'•  As  soon  as  Absalom  was  burried  in  the  deep  pit," 
resumed  Belial,  "  a  very  lively  scene  occurred.  Ahim- 
aaz  was  remarkable  not  only  for  his  resolute  patriotism, 
but  also  for  his  highly  cultivated  mind,  great  delicacy 
and  refinement  of  feeling,  and  warm  attachment  to 
King  David.  He  thought  that  the  victory  would  be 
joyful  to  David,  though  he  knew  that  the  death  of  Ab- 
salom would  almost  break  his  heart.  He  was  anxious, 
therefore,  that  the  good  news  should  get  to  David  first, 
and  let  the  other  come  when  it  must.  Yet  such  was 
the  perfect  discipline  of  the  army,  that  even  Ahimaaz 
must  not  go  on  such  an  errand  without  the  authority 
of  the  commander-in-chief. 

"He  therefore  said  to  Joab,  'Let  me  now  go  and 
bear  the  king  tidings  how  the  Lord  hath  avenged  him 
of  his  enemies.' 

" '  No,  Ahimaaz,'  said  Joab,  '  the  news  will  be  un- 
welcome to  the  king ;  even  the  messenger  who  brings 
it  will  be  lessened  in  his  esteem.  Thou  shalt  bear 
tidings  another  day,  but  this  day  thou  shalt  bear  no 
tidings,  because  the  king's  son  is  dead.' 

"  '  Cushi,'  said  Joab  to  the  Ethiopian,  '  Go  tell  the 
king  Avhat  thou  hast  seen.'  And  Cushi  bowed  himself 
to  Joab,  and  ran.  '  A  heavy  message,'  said  Joab,  fol- 
lowing Cushi  with  his  eye  for  some  distance,  '  but  it 
must  be  borne.'  , 

"Ahimaaz  looked  for  a  moment  at  Cushi's  running, 
which  was  not  remarkably  swift ;  and  knowing  he  could 


332  THE    BATTLE. 

Start  yet,  and  reach  David  first,  he  said  again  to  Joab, 
'  But,  howsoev^er,  let  me,  I  pray  thee,  run  after  Cushi. 
I  can  be  with  King  David  first,  and  tell  him  the  good 
news,  and  let  him  have  a  little  gleam  of  gladness  be- 
fore Cushi  comes  with  the  heavy  tidings.' 

"  '  My  son,'  said  Joab,  kindly,  '  you  have  no  good 
news  to  tell  David.  He  is  not  thinking  of  his  crown, 
his  palace,  his  kingdom ;  all  his  anxieties  are  for  Ab- 
salom. He  will  ask  you  for  Absalom  first,  for  Absalom 
last,  for  Absalom  all  the  time.  You  have  no  good 
news  to  tell  the  king,  for  Absalom  is  dead.' 

"'But  howsoever,'  said  Ahimaaz,  'let  me  run.' 

" '  Well,'  said  Joab,  '  with  the  whole  case  before 
you,  if  you  prefer  it,  run.' 

"  Ahimaaz  shot  like  a  dove  on  the  wing,  and  over- 
took, and  was  soon  ahead  of  Cushi. 

"  David,  in  the  mean  time,  stood  before  the  gate  of 
Mahanaim,  straining  his  dim  eye  across  that  wide  plain, 
to  catch  the  first  glimpse  of  a  messenger  from  the 
army;  a  restless  sea  of  anxieties,  fears,  and  gloomy  ap- 
prehensions rolled  and  tossed  unceasingly  in  his  trou- 
bled breast.  The  watchman,  who  had  younger  eyes 
than  the  king,  went  up  to  the  roof  over  the  gate,  and 
looking  attentively  in  the  direction  the  army  had  gone, 
discerned  the  foremost  messenger.  He  called  aloud  to 
the  king,  '  Behold,  a  man  running  alone  ! ' 

"  '  If  he  be  alone,'  answered  the  king,  '  there  are 
tidings  in  his  mouth.' 

"  Presently  the  watchman  called  again,  '  Behold, 
another  man  running  alone  !  ' 

"  '  He  also  bringeth  tidings,'  said  the  king.  '  It  is  not 
the  fragments  of  a  routed  army  you  see,  or  there 
would  be  more  than  two.' 


THE    BATTLE.  333 

"  They  were  yet  so  distant  that  their  forms  were 
but  indistinctly  seen  ;  yet,  from  the  window  of  the  house 
of  Merari  the  Levite,  there  was  one  pair  of  eyes,  look- 
ing out  on  that  plain,  brighter  and  clearer  even  than 
those  of  the  watchman.  By  these  eyes,  the  foremost 
messenger  was  at  once  identified.  A  snow  white  hand- 
kerchief, thrust  from  the  window  the  full  length  of  the 
arm,  now  waved  with  a  rapidity  that  told  of  the  lively 
emotions  within.  At  the  sight  of  this  token,  the  speed 
of  Ahimaaz  was  astonishingly  accelerated.  Cushi  now 
fell  back  in  a  stjde  that  was  perfectly  new.  To  every 
one  who  beheld  this  scene,  the  reason  was  perfectly 
plain  why  the  fame  of  Ahimaaz  for  unequalled  swift- 
ness in  the  race  should  have  overspread  all  the  mountain 
districts  west  of  Jordan,  and  indeed  filled  the  entire* 
land  of  Gilead.  As  has  been  said  of  Asahel,  the  brother 
of  Joab,  he  was  'as  light  of  foot  as  the  wild  roe.' 

"  The  watchman  at  Mahanaim  looked  with  amaze- 
ment, rubbed  his  eyes,  and  looked  again.  '  Between 
Dan  and  Beersheba,'  exclaimed  he,  '  there  cannot  be 
two  men  that  can  run  at  that  rate ; '  and  calling  again  to 
the  king,  he  said,  '  Methinketh  the  running  of  the  fore- 
most is  like  the  running  of  Ahimaaz,  the  son  of  Zadok.' 

"  And  the  king  said,  '  He  is  a  good  man,  and  cometh 
with  good  tidings.' 

"  Every  window  in  Mahanaim,  that  rose  above  the 
city  wall,  was  now  crowded  with  heads.  The  wall 
itself  was  literally  lined  with  women  and  children  of 
every  various  age  and  size.  For  sons  and  husbands, 
fathers  and  brothers  had  gone  to  that  battle-field,  and 
thrilling  interest  was  felt  to  learn  the  result. 

"  With  palpitating  heart,  and  in  an  attitude  of  thQ 


334 


THE    BATTLE. 


most  anxious  expectation,  David  stood  before  the  gate ; 
his  aged  form  bending  forward,  his  long  gray  hair 
streaming  on  the  wind,  his  waning  eyes  shaded  by  his 
hand  placed  across  the  forehead,  as  he  gazed  on  the 
approaching  messenger. 

"  When  Ahimaaz  was  near  enough  to  speak,  he 
cahed  out,  '  All  is  well !  '  and  he  fell  down  to  the  earth, 
on  his  face  before  the  king,  and  said,  '  Blessed  be  the 
Lord  thy  God,  who  hath  delivered  up  the  men  that 
lifted  up  their  hand  against  my  lord  the  king.' 

"  '  Is  the  young  man,  Absalom,  safe  ? '  asked  the  king 
hastily. 

"  To  this  Ahimaaz  answered  doubtfully.  '  When 
Joab  sent  me,  I  saw  a  great  tumult,  as  if  something 
very  serious  had  been  done  ;  but  particulars  I  cannot 
give.  But  your  foes  are  routed.  The  crown  and 
kingdom  are  yours.' 

" '  Stand  aside,'  said  David  ;  '  I  can  hear  of  nothing 
else  till  I  know  that  Absalom  is  safe.' 

"  Ahimaaz  now  turned  aside,  and  stood  in  silence. 
The  stillness  was  awful.  Not  a  whisper  at  the  gate 
or  on  the  wall.  It  seemed  as  if  the  people  almost 
feared  to  breathe,  while  Cushi,  bending  across  the 
plain,  drew  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  gate.  At  length 
he  called  out,  '  Tidings,  my  lord  the  king  ;  for  the 
Lord  hath  avenged  thee  this  day  of  all  them  that  rose 
up  against  thee.' 

"  '  Is  the  young  man,  Absalom,  safe  ? '  said  David, 
with  a  tone  and  manner  that  defy  all  description. 

''  Cushi  raised  his  visage  right  in  front  of  the  king, 
planted  one  foot  firmly  before,  lifted  his  huge  arm  to 
its  utmost  height,  and  replied,  '  The  enemies  of  my 


THE    BATTLE.  _  335 

lord  the  king,  and  all  they  that  rise  up  against  thee 
to  do  thee  hurt,  be  as  that  young  man  is.  I  wish  no 
heavier  doom  on  your  worst  foes,  than  has  fallen  upon 
him.' 

"  '  And  the  king  was  much  moved,  and  hurried  as  age 
loaded  with  trouble  can  hurry,  to  the  chamber  over  the 
gate,  and  wept ;  and  as  he  went  thus,  he  said,  '  O  my 
son  Absalom,  my  son,  my  son  Absalom !  would  God 
I  had  died  for  thee,  O  Absalom,  my  son,  my  son  ! ' 

"  It  is  wonderful,"  said  Belial,  "  among  the  sons  of 
men,  how,  when  a  friend  dies,  his  faults  are  all  forgot- 
ten. His  excellences  and  amiableness  only  are  re- 
membered by  the  survivors.  Who  ever  saw  a  father 
or  a  mother  that  could  censure,  blame,  or  find  fault 
with  a  son  or  daughter  that  had  gone  to  the  grave  ? 
No.  The  living  complain  only  of  themselves.  Every 
harsh  word,  every  pang,  thoughtlessly  or  carelessly  in- 
flicted, every  neglect  of  kindness  that  occurs  to  the 
mind,  goes  like  a  cold  dagger  to  the  heart.  It  was  so 
with  David  now.  He  thought  of  Absalom  when  a 
lovely  little  boy,  on  his  knees ;  — when  a  blooming  and 
sprightly  youth  ;  —  when  a  fine,  promising,  beautiful 
young  man,  that  had  not  his  like  in  all  Israel.  And 
now,  to  keep  the  crown  a  few  years  longer  on  his  aged 
head,  that  was  trembling  over  the  grave,  Absalom  must 
die.  'Ah,  dearly  recovered  crown,  how  worthless 
now  !  my  poor  beloved  Absalom,  has  it  cost  your  life  ! 
Has  it  cost  your  life  !  ' 

"  The  people  were  stunned  and  astounded  with  the 
loud  and  excessive  bursts  of  anguish  from  the  bosom 
of  the  king.  For  a  time  they  seemed  to  forget  their 
personal  interests  in  the  events  of  the  day.      But  soon 


336  THE    BATTLE. 

after  David  had  shut  himself  up  in  his  chamber,  Ahim- 
aaz  and  Cushi  were  surrounded  by  those  who  eagerly- 
inquired  for  husbands,  sons,  fathers  and  brothers,  who 
had  gone  to  that  bloody  field.  To  many  of  these  they 
could  give,  of  course,  no  satisfactory  answer.  It  was 
not  long,  however,  till  martial  music  was  heard,  float- 
ing over  the  plain,  and  the  front  ranks  were  seen  of  the 
returning  army.  As  was  the  custom  in  Israel,  the 
women  and  children  went  out  to  meet  their  friends, 
but  not  with  songs,  dances,  and  instruments  of  music. 
Awed,  shocked,  overwhelmed  with  the  king's  lamenta- 
tions for  his  son,  they  appeared  rather  like  a  funeral 
procession,  than  those  celebrating  a  victory.  •  And  the 
victory  that  day  was  turned  into  mourning  unto  all  the 
people.'  The  death  of  Absalom  occasioned  sorrow 
that  far  exceeded  all  the  joy  of  success.  The  victory 
appeared  valueless,  and  matter  of  regret.  It  was  a 
meteor  at  midnight,  whose  feeble  flash  is  swallowed 
up  and  lost  in  the  superabounding  darkness.  It  was  a 
dim  candle  lighted  up  at  noonday,  when  the  sun  in 
heaven  has  undergone  a  total  eclipse. 

"  The  officers  and  soldiers  who  had  fought  against 
such  desperate  odds,  and  by  their  extraordinary  valor 
had  achieved  a  victory  so  decided,  and  saved  the  life  of 
the  king,  his  throne  and  his  kingdom,  had  anticipated 
the  warmest  greeting  and  the  most  enthusiastic  welcome 
on  their  return  to  the  city.  They  were  proud  of  what 
they  had  accomplished  ;  lifted  up  with  enlarged  expec- 
tations of  royal  approbation  and  favor.  Services  had 
been  rendered  at  the  imminent  risk  of  their  lives,  which 
they  had  fondly  calculated  could  never  be  forgotten. 
They  expected  to  find  the  people  all  in  raptures,  and  that 


THE    BATTLK.  337 

the    king   himself  would   meet   them  with  gratitude, 
honor,  and  admiration,  for  their  matchless  deeds. 

"  When,  instead  of  this,  they  found  that  all  was  gloom, 
melancholy,  and  mourning,  when  the  king  refused  to 
see  them,  and  hid  himself  from  their  view,  and  they 
could  hear  his  loud  and  bitter  cry, '  O  my  son  Absalom ! 
O  Absalom,  my  son,  my  son  ! '  there  was  a  deep  and  gen- 
eral feeling  of  disappointment  and  chagrin.  They  felt 
as  if  they  were  blamed  and  censured  for  the  most  invalu- 
able services.  Symptoms  of  indignation  and  resentment 
began  to  appear,  and  spread  through  the  army  like  the 
contagion  of  a  plague.  The  Cherethites,  Pelethites, 
and  life-guards  frowned  and  hung  their  heads.  Even 
the  faithful  Gittites  showed  a  mortification  that  verged 
towards  madness.  While  among  the  volunteer  soldiers, 
and  the  sons  of  Gad  and  Manasseh,  broken  sentences 
were  heard  of  '  merit  neglected,  loyalty  set  at  nought, 
fidelity  dishonored  and  scorned.' 

"  The  eagle  eye  of  Joab  marked  the  gathering  cloud, 
saw  its  blackness,  and  the  glitter  of  the  lightning  there, 
while  his  ear  caught  the  roll  of  the  distant  thunder.  He 
felt  the  heaving  and  rocking  of  a  convulsed  mountain, 
portending  a  most  terrific  eruption.  It  was  plain  that 
nothing  but  a  competent  leader  was  wanting  to  produce 
a  general  and  irreparable  revolt.  And  who  coukl  tell 
tjie  moment  when  that  leader  might  appear? 

"  Joab  wheeled  the  army  from  the  gate,  and  halted  at 
a  little  distance  on  the  plain  ;  told  them  that  he  de- 
signed for  the  weary  and  exhausted  soldier  some  need- 
ful refreshments  before  they  proceeded  fartlier.  He  then 
despatched  from  each  division  a  competent  number  of 
men  to  bring  an  ample  supply  from  the  abundant  stores 

29 


338  THE    BATTLE. 

furnished  by  Barzillai  the  Gileadite,  Machir  of  Lode- 
bar,  and  their  generous  friend  the  Ammonite  prince. 

"  As  soon  as  the  provisions  began  to  be  distributed, 
Joab  went  in  person  to  the  chamber  of  the  king. 

"  David  was  prostrate  on  a  couch,  with  his  face  cov- 
ered, venting  the  deep  sorrows  of  his  heart,  when  Joab 
entered  the  room.  At  the  sound  of  footsteps,  the  king 
uncovered  his  face,  saw  the  commander,  then  instantly 
threw  the  covering  over  his  eyes  again,  exclaiming, '  Be- 
gone from  my  presence  !  I  cannot  bear  the  sight  of  you. 
Leave  me  !  Leave  me  instantly !  Instantly,  I  say.' 

" '  When  I  have  done  my  duty,'  said  Joab. 

"  '  Your  duty  !  your  duty  ! '  said  David :  '  your  duty 
is  to  obey  the  commands  of  your  king.' 

"  '  When  my  king  is  himself,'  said  Joab,  'and  not  de- 
ranged by  excessive  fondness  for  a  rebellious,  abandoned 
son,  who  rose  up  to  destroy  his  father's  life.' 

"  '  Deranged !  '  exclaimed  David  ;  '  did  you  say  de- 
ranged ? ' 

" '  Yes,  my  lord,  deranged,  till  he  has  forgotten  the 
cause  of  God,  the  interests  of  his  kingdom,  the  claims 
of  his  long-tried  friends,  and  even  what  is  essential  to  the 
preservation  of  his  own  life.' 

"  '  I  commanded  you  to  spare  Absalom.' 

"  '  You  did,  my  lord  ;  but  it  was  the  command  of  the 
fond,  misguided  father,  and  not  of  the  wise  ruler  of 
the  Israel  of  God.' 

"  'You  put  a  price  upon  his  head,'  said  David. 

"  '  I  did,  my  lord,  for  I  saw  that  his  death  or  your 
ruin  was  unavoidable.  I  resolved  that  he  should  die. 
And  I  preferred  that  it  should  be  by  another  hand  than 
mine.' 


THE    BATTLE.  339 

" '  But  you  slew  him  with  yoiu-own  hand,'  said  David. 

"  '  I  did,  my  lord  ;  for  though  many  saw  the  neces- 
sity of  his  death  as  clearly  as  I,  yet  the  dread  of  your 
displeasure  was  such,  that  the  most  valiant  were  ap- 
palled. No  man  could  be  found  in  all  Israel  that  was 
willing  to  save  your  crown  by  doing  a  deed  that  must 
bring  certain  destruction  upon  himself.  Who,  then,  but 
your  own  sister's  son,  was  to  step  forward,  and  save 
your  life  and  your  kingdom  ?  Though  he  clearly  saw 
that,  for  doing  this,  he  must  be  blighted  with  the  light- 
ning of  your  vengeance,  and  go  degraded  and  dishon- 
ored to  the  grave.' 

"  '  Leave  the  house  !  '  vociferated  David  ;  '  leave  the 
house  instantly  !    I  cannot  bear  you  in  my  sight.' 

"  *  If  I  leave  you,'  said  Joab,  '  your  days  are  num- 
bered, and  your  kingdom  at  an  end.' 

"  '  Let  my  days  be  numbered,'  cried  David  ;  '  I  am 
weary  and  sick  of  life.  O  my  son  Absalom  !  my  son, 
my  son  Absalom  !  would  God  that  I  had  died  for  thee  ! 
O  Absalom,  my  son,  my  son  ! ' 

"  '  My  lord,'  said  Joab,  '  this  is  midsummer  madness 
now.  I  might  be  offended  and  leave  you.  But  I  can 
sympathize  with  the  bleeding  heart  of  a  bereaved 
father ;  and  while  I  remember  that  you  are  my  king, 
anointed  of  God,  and  remember,  moreover,  that  you  are 
the  beloved  and  favorite  brother  of  my  dear  departed 
mother,  I  must  not,  I  will  not  leave  you  thus.  My  lord, 
have  you  forgotten  your  sister  Zeruiah  ?  that  noble  wo- 
man, whose  name  will  shine  as  a  precious  and  beautiful 
gem  in  the  annals  of  the  people  of  God,  till  the  end  of 
time  ?  She  had  for  you  —  for  I  know  no  stronger  term  — 
the  affection  of  an  elder  sister  for  a  younger  brother.    In 


340  THE    BATTLE. 

her  anxiety  for  your  honor,  your  usefuhiess  and  your 
respectability,  she  seemed  often  wholly  to  forget  herself 
And  O,  when  she  saw  you  anointed  by  good  old  Sam- 
uel, and  heard  him  promise,  in  Jehovah's  name,  that 
you  should  have  the  kingdom  over  God's  chosen  peo- 
ple, she  wept  for  joy  and  gladness  of  heart.  And  when 
the  old  prophet  left  the  room,  she  ran  and  threw  her 
arms  around  your  neck,  in  a  transport  of  enthusiasm, 
and  blessed  and  glorified  the  name  of  God,  and  invoked 
blessings  on  you  and  on  your  kingdom.  That  sister, 
with  all  her  worth  and  sisterly  devotion,  was  forbidden 
by  her  sex  to  be  a  counsellor  in  your  cabinet,  or  a  sol- 
dier in  your  army ;  yet  she  would  do  what  she  could. 
She  was  the  mother  of  three  little  sons,  and  from  the 
day  she  saw  you  anointed  king,  she  devoted  those 
three  sons,  in  the  awful  name  of  Israel's  God,  to  be  the 
helpers  and  supporters  of  your  kingdom.  She  made  it 
the  business  and  delight  of  her  life  to  train  those  sons 
to  be  useful  and  faithful  to  you.  She  read  to  them, 
from  the  book  of  God,  the  history  of  Joshua  and  Gideon, 
and  Jephthah  and  Barak,  and  the  champions  of  Israel 
in  other  days.  These  lessons  were  illuminated  and 
enforced  by  her  enlightened  and  powerful  comments, 
till  military  ardor  in  the  cause  of  Israel,  and  of  Israel's 
God,  flowed,  like  the  blood  of  life,  through  the  veins 
and  through  the  hearts  of  her  sons.  "  Keep  your  eye," 
said  she,  "  on  these  noble  examples,  and  be  such  men 
around  your  uncle's  throne."  As  soon  as  her  sons 
were  able  to  handle  the  sword  and  the  shield,  she  sent 
them  av/ay  from  her  beloved  presence,  to  be  with  you. 
Shall  I  mention  their  names,  my  lord  ?  Tiiey  were  Asa^ 
hel,  Abishai,  and  Joab,     You  were  then  pursued  and 


THE    BATTLi:.  341 

persecuted  by  the  bitter  jealousy  of  the  unrelenting  and 
powerful  Saul.  These  sons  of  your  sister  shared  your 
privations  and  your  sufferings,  wheu  you  were  flying 
through  fields  and  forests  ;  when  you  were  secreting 
yourself  among  the  rocks  of  the  wilderness,  and  hiding 
in  the  dens  and  caves  of  the  earth.  And  they  never 
made  a  stolen  and  hasty  visit  to  their  mother,  but  with 
the  liveliest  emotion  she  asked  for  your  welfare  and 
your  prospects,  and  urged  them  not  to  be  discouraged 
at  the  multitudes  that  were  arrayed  against  you,  but 
to  cleave  to  you  through  all  dangers,  and  defend  you 
M'ith  their  lives.  That  sister  lived  to  see  you  on  the 
throne  of  Judah  ;  and  then  on  the  throne  of  Israel. 
She  lived  to  see  you  become  prosperous,  and  rich,  and 
great. 

"  '  And  shall  I  say,  she  lived  to  hear  the  princes  of 
Judah,  the  powerful  associates  and  friends  of  our  family, 
complain  and  censure  you  much  and  harshly,  that  to 
conciliate  enemies,  and  win  over  the  doubtful,  you 
would  be  harsh  and  severe  with  tried  and  faithful 
friends,  and  bear  hard  on  those  Vv^ho  had  long  been  firm 
and  unwavering  in  your  service.  That  sister  always 
had  an  apology,  a  palliation,  a  favorable  construction, 
for  every  complaint  alleged  against  you  ;  and  when  at 
last  she  was  summoned  to  go  the  way  of  all  the  earth, 
she  called  for  her  two  surviving  sons,  she  stretched  out 
to  each  one  of  her  withered  hands,  and  while  they 
wept  upon  it,  and  kissed  it,  now  growing  cold  in  death, 
she  charged  them  to  be  faithful  to  their  God,  true  to  their 
country,  and  to  love  and  cherish  her  brother,  to  the  end 
of  life.  "  If  perplexed  and  distracted  with  public  cares," 
said  she,  "  your  uncle  is  sometimes  harsh,  sometimes 

29* 


342  THE    BATTLK. 

unreasonable,  and  sometimes  does  you  wrong,  think  of 
me  ;  be  patient,  be  true  and  faithful ;  and  stand  as  pil- 
lars of  his  throne,  till  you  are  called  to  the  grave.  Never 
hesitate  to  encounter  any  danger  to  yourselves ;  never 
shrink  from  any  risk  on  your  own  part,  that  is  necessary 
to  sustain  his  kingdom."  Such,  my  lord,  was  her 
dying  charge,  and  she  breathed  out  her  soul  in  a  prayer 
to  God,  that  your  kingdom  might  be  a  blessing,  and 
that  your  name  might  go  with  everlasting  honors  to 
succeeding  generations.  The  lessons  of  that  mother 
have  been  the  law  of  my  life.  They  have  been  written 
in  my  heart  as  with  the  point  of  a  diamond.  I  will  not 
ask  you,  my  lord,  where,  when,  and  how,  the  valiant 
Asahel  laid  down  his  life.  I  will  not  ask,  what  have 
been  the  value  to  you  of  the  services  of  Abishai.  I 
ask  you  to  look  on  this  head,  now  covered  with  gray 
hairs.  It  is  the  head  of  one  who  entered  your  service 
before  there  was  down  upon  his  chin.  Your  honor  and 
the  interest  of  your  kingdom  have  been  the  guiding  star 
of  my  life,  next,  I  mean,  to  the  duty  I  owe  to  my  Creator. 
'' '  As  for  Absalom,  I  loved  him.  You  know  I  loved 
him.  When  he  had  fled  from  the  land  of  Israel,  because 
of  your  wrath,  for  slaying  his  brother  Amnon,  and  all 
were  afraid  to  speak  a  word  in  his  favor,  I  interceded 
for  him  until  you  were  graciously  pleased  to  grant  my 
petition,  and  permit  his  return.  I  went  myself  to 
Geshur  after  him,  and  brought  him  to  Jerusalem.  You. 
refused  to  see  his  face  for  two  full  years.  Absalom  was 
in  distress :  he  sent  for  me  to  intercede  for  him,  and  I 
went  to  you  again,  and  besought  you  to  receive  him 
into  favor,  and  again  you  were  graciously  pleased  to 
grant  my  request.     I  loved  Absalom,  and  was  willing 


THE    BATTLE.  343 

to  do  for  him  all  that  I  could,  consistently  with  your 
honor  and  the  interest  of  your  kingdom. 

"  '  When  Ahimaaz  first  came  with  the  news  of  liis 
rebellion  at  Hebron,  I  asked  leave  of  you  to  march  and 
disperse  his  followers  at  once.  It  might  then  have  been 
done,  and  Absalom  might  have  been  spared.  Hut  when 
he  came  to  Jerusalem,  and  in  his  first  public  act  insulted 
and  dishonored  your  name  and  house  in  the  most  out- 
rageous and  unpardonable  manner,  —  when  he  publicly 
polluted  and  debauched  your  family  in  the  sight  of  all 
Israel,  —  I  then  saw  that  he  must  die,  or  your  throne 
must  go  down  forever.  When,  not  contented  with  the 
throne,  palace,  and  kingdom,  he  pursued  you  to  take 
your  life,  I  considered  him  doomed  to  death  by  the  law 
of  God,  wliich  ordains  that  the  rebellious  son  shall  die. 
My  lord,  all  thought,  all  hope,  that  Absalom  could  have 
lived  after  the  crimes  he  had  committed,  is  an  empty, 
vain  delusion,  imposed  on  your  fine  understanding  by 
parental  fondness.  I  knew  Absalom  too  well.  His 
spirit  was  too  high.  After  the  insults,  injuries,  and 
outrages  he  had  perpetrated  toward  you,  your  presence 
would  have  been  a  hell  to  him  :  had  he  been  con- 
strained to  live,  and  you  on  the  throne,  he  would  have 
suffered  the  agony  of  a  thousand  deaths.  Again,  this 
rebellion  was  too  general  to  be  quelled  by  any  thing 
short  of  the  death  of  their  leader;  nine  tenths  of  the 
princes  of  Judah  had  gone  with  Absalom  ;  four  fifths  of 
all  the  tribes  west  of  Jordan  were  involved.  Those 
princes  Avere  too  proud,  and  too  powerful,  and  their  fol- 
lowers too  numerous,  to  return  to  their  allegiance  if  their 
leader  had  survived,  because  of  the  loss  of  a  single  battle. 
They  would  have  rallied  and  fought  again.     Twenty 


344  THE    BATTLE. 

thousand  men  have  died  to-day,  and  twenty  thousand 
must  have  died  another  day  ;  and  still  Absalom,  his  own 
circumstances  being  desperate,  would  have  rallied  them 
again  ;  the  country  would  have  been  exhausted  by  a  pro- 
tracted and  ruinous  civil  war,  until  the  glory  of  Israel 
would  have  fallen  an  easy  prey  into  the  hands  of  some 
heathen  foe.  The  necessity  was  imperative  ;  Absalom 
must  die.  For  his  death,  my  lord,  I  alone  am  respon- 
sible. Ittai  advised  to  defeat  his  army,  and  let  him 
escape.  Abishai  advised  to  take  him  captive,  and  deliver 
him  to  you.  But  I  knew  your  parental  fondness  would 
set  him  at  liberty  in  one  hour,  and  all  the  sad  results  I 
have  mentioned  would  ensue.  I  offered  ten  shekels  of 
silver  and  a  girdle  to  the  man  who  would  smite  him, 
and  save  your  throne  ;  but  a  thousand  shekels  of  silver 
would  have  been  no  inducement ;  for  while  every  sane 
man  in  Israel  saw  that  if  your  throne  was  saved,  Absa- 
lom must  die,  yet  as  all  knew  it  would  bring  your  dis- 
pleasure and  certain  destruction  on  the  man  who  did  the 
deed,  all  stood  aghast.  The  battle  in  the  right  wing  of 
the  army  was  well  nigh  lost,  for  the  Gittites  feared 
your  wrath,  and  spared  Absalom,  while  he  rallied  the 
Danites,  and  charged  on  the  faithful  Ittai,  and  rallied 
and  charged  again,  till  God's  providence  interposed. 
His  mule  took  fright,  and  fled  and  hanged  him  in  an 
oak.  But  I  say  nothing  of  the  injury  he  sustained  when 
hung  in  the  oak.  I  say  nothing  of  the  probability  that 
he  could  not  have  lived.  I  say  that  I  saw  he  must  die, 
to  save  your  kingdom  ;  and  when  all  others  shrunk  from 
the  deed,  I  thought  of  my  mother's  dying  charge,  that 
''  I  must  risk  every  thing  for  your  good"  —  and  I  slew 
him  with  my  own  hand ;  though  I  saw  that  it  would 


THK    BATTLE.  345 

bring  on  me  the  wrath  of  the  king  I  honored,  and  the 
uncle  I  loved,  and  would  most  likely  cost  me  my  life. 

"  '  Now,  my  lord,'  said  Joab,  '  dishonor  me,  banish 
me ;  do  what  seemeth  good  to  you  with  me :  but  be 
yourself  once  more  ;  arouse  !  and  save  the  kingdom  over 
which  God  has  made  you  overseer. 

"  •  Call  up  your  religion  to  help  you  in  this  hour  of 
trial.  You  have  often  led  in  our  devotions  while  we 
have  sung  that  beautiful  psalm,  with  the  chorus  —  "  His 
mercy  endureth  forever."  In  that  sublime  psalm,  we 
sing  that  it  was  mercy  to  Israel  that  smote  the  first- 
born in  Eg3^pt ;  mercy  to  Israel  that  overthrew  Pharaoh 
and  his  host  at  the  Red  Sea ;  mercy  to  Israel  that  slew 
Sihon,  king  of  the  Ammonites,  and  Og,  the  king  of 
Bashan.  Think  of  the  overthrow  of  those  who  rose 
up  in  this  rebellion  against  you  in  the  same  light,  for  it 
was  equally  necessary  to  the  prosperity  and  salvation 
of  Israel.  Call  up  your  religion  to  help  you,  and  be 
once  more  the  king  of  that  people  Jehovah  hath  called 
by  his  own  name. 

"  '  The  army  at-  the  gate  is  now  on  the  verge  of 
mutiny.  After  fighting  with  desperate  bravery  against 
twenty  to  one,  and  saving  your  kingdom  and  your  life, 
and  the  lives  of  your  family,  it  appears  to  them  as  if 
you  have  no  regard  for  either  princes  or  servants,  who 
are  laboring  to  vindicate  your  own  crown.  You  act  as 
if  you  loved  your  enemies  and  hated  your  friends. 
Your  servants,  so  faithful  and  true,  are  mortified  and 
ashamed,  that  they  meet  with  blame  and  censure, 
where  they  have  merited  praise  and  the  highest  com- 
mendation. It  looks  to  them  as  if,  had  Absalom  lived, 
and  all  your  own  servants  been  slain,  yon   had  been 


346 


THE    BATTLE. 


well  pleased.  Now,  therefore,  arise,  go  forth,  and  speak 
comfortably  unto  thy  servants  ;  for  I  swear  by  the 
Lord,  if  thou  go  not  forth,  there  will  not  tarry  one 
with  thee  this  night,  and  that  will  be  worse  unto  thee 
than  all  the  evil  that  befell  thee  from  thy  youth  until 
now.' 

"  This  powerful  address  bowed  the  spirit  of  David, 
as  the  strong  breath  of  heaven  bows  the  stately  cedar 
on  the  brow  of  Lebanon.  By  the  touching  references 
to  his  departed  sister,  the  amiable,  the  talented,  the 
enthusiastic  Zeruiah,  early  associations  were  called  up, 
and  his  tears  turned  into  a  new  channel.  The  con- 
vincing argument,  in  reference  to  Absalom,  showed 
that  his  death  was  expedient,  necessary,  unavoidable ; 
while  the  danger  of  instant  mutiny  and  revolt  in  the 
army  rung  upon  his  soul,  like  a  sudden  peal  of  thun- 
der.    He  sprung  to  his  feet.     '  Joab,  I  will  go.' 

"  '  To  the  gate,  then,  my  lord,  without  a  moment's 
delay.' 

"  Joab  hastened  to  the  army,  and  found  it  in  a  tem- 
pest of  wild  confusion.  Stung  with  disappointment, 
blamed  and  censured  after  having  jeopardized  their 
lives  for  the  king,  insubordination,  noise,  tumult,  and 
loud  threats  were  breaking  out  in  all  quarters.  Ahimaaz, 
Jonathan,  and  Ittai  had  tried  to  gain  their  attention  to 
some  soothing  and  tranquillizing  address  ;  but  they 
were  impatient,  insulted,  outraged,  and  refused  to 
hear ;  while  Abishai  stood  aloof,  leaning  on  his  sword, 
surveying  this  turbulent  sea  of  boisterous  indignation, 
Avith  an  eye  of  courageous  despair. 

"  The  voice  of  their  old  commander  came  like  oil 
over  these  tumultuous  waves. 


THE    BATTLE,  347 

''  '  Soldiers !  you  must  allow  the  wounded  heart  to 
bleed.  The  king  has  been  crushed  with  sorrow  for  the 
death  of  his  son.  Many  of  you  have  sons ;  most  of 
you  have  brothers ;  and  you  have  all  had  fathers.  You 
must  allow  the  wounded  heart  to  bleed.  But  you  are 
wanted  now.  Fall  into  ranks.  The  king  is  at  the 
gate,  anxious  to  welcome,  and  thank,  and  bless  the 
men,  who  this  day,  by  their  fidelity  and  valor,  have 
saved  his  life  and  his  kingdom. 

"  'Ittai!  with  your  brave  Gittites,  lead  the  way. 

"'Abishai!  take  the  command  of  the  Cherethites 
and  Pelethites,  and  life-gnards  ! 

"  '  Volunteers  !  Sons  of  Manasseh  !  Sons  of  Gad  ! 
follow  in  your  order.' 

''  The  power  of  discipline  prevailed  ;  the  soldiers 
are  again  in  their  ranks,  and  the  army  again  in  motion. 
David  stood  in  the  gate,  and  the  head  of  the  column 
of  the  Gittites  drew  near. 

"  '  Ittai,'  said  the  king,  'Jehovah  bless  thee,  in  thy 
fidelity  and  truth  !  and  Jehovah  bless  thy  brethren  with 
thee  !  We  became  acquainted  first  in  a  land  of  stran- 
gers. You  came  from  that  land  for  the  great  name  of 
the  God  of  Israel.  The  God  of  Israel  be  with  you, 
and  keep^  you,  and  be  to  you  an  everlasting  blessing.' 
The  Gittites  bowed  their  heads,  melted  into  tears,  and 
passed  on. 

"  Next  came  Abishai,  at  the  head  of  his  company. 

"  '  Son  of  my  dear,  departed  sister,'  said  the  king, 
'true  and  unconquered  ever!  Well  did  the  matchless 
Zeruiah  train  and  prepare  you  to  be  the  pillar  and 
defender  of  Israel's  throne. 

"  '  Cherethites  !  Pelethites  !   long  tried  and   faithful 


348  THE    BATTLE. 

friends ;  always  at  hand  in  the  trying  hour,  and  always 
victorious  in  the  contested  field. 

"  '  Life-guards !  the  Lord  bless  you  and  smile  upon 
you.  We  have  gone  to  the  house  of  God  in  company, 
and  taken  sweet  counsel  together.' 

"  When  the  men  of  Manasseh  drew  near,  —  '  Sons  of 
the  illustrious  Joseph,'  said  the  king  :  'his  bow  abode 
in  strength,  and  his  arms  were  made  strong  by  the 
hands  of  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob.  The  blessing  of 
the  God  of  thy  father  be  upon  thee,  unto  the  utmost 
bound  of  the  everlasting  hills.  They  shall  be  on  the 
head  of  Joseph,  and  on  tlie  crown  of  the  head  of  him 
that  was  separated  from  his  brethren. 

"  '  Valiant  sons  of  Gad !  strong  as  lions,  and  swift 
as  the  roes  upon  the  mountains,  well  might  the  great 
patriarch  Jacob  say  of  your  father.  Gad,  a  troop  shall 
overcome  him,  but  he  shall  overcome  at  the  last.' 

"  'Twelve  cheers  to  the  king! '  shouted  the  power- 
ful voice  of  Joab,  when  the  last  of  the  rear-guard  had 
entered  the  city.  '  From  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel, 
twelve  cheers  to  King  David  ! '  '  For  Reuben  ! '  cried 
Ahiraaaz,  standing  at  the  head  of  the  army,  with  the 
silver  trumpet  in  his  hand.  And  prince  and  stripling, 
priest  and  warrior,  swelled  the  animated  shout,  — 

"  '  Lona;  live  Kins  David  ! ' 

"  '  For  Simeon  ! '  cried  Ahimaaz. 

"  And  another  shout  made  wall  and  pavement  ring. 

"  '  For  Levi !  '  '  For  Judah  !  '  '  For  Issachar  !  '  '  For 
Zebulon !  '  '  For  Dan  !  '  'For  Naphtali !  '  '  For  Gad  ! ' 
'  For  Asher  !  '   '  For  Joseph  >  '   '  For  Benjamin  !  ' 

"  For  each  tribe,  as  called  by  Ahimaaz,  ten  thousand 
voices,  like  the  waves  of  the  rolling  ocean,  sent  up  the 


THE    BATTLE.  349 

loud  acclamation,  '  Long  live  King  David!'  while  ban- 
ners waved,  trumpets  sounded,  and  from  window, 
door,  house-top,  and  city  wall,  white  scarfs  and  flags 
were  thrown  upon  the  breeze.  Hands  clapped,  harps, 
tabrets,  and  timbrels  played,  and  all  the  people  shouted 
for  joy. 

*'  All  now  in  the  city  was  tranquillity  and  gladness. 
The  soldiers  were  not  only  satisfied,  but  delighted,  and 
flattered  with  the  attentions  and  commendations  of  the 
king.  ■  They  were  dismissed  for  the  evening,  to  visit 
and  interchange  salutations  with  their  friends.  Sons, 
brothers,  fathers,  and  husbands,  returned  to  the  families 
to  which  they  belonged.  Those,  I  mean,  who  resided 
in  the  neighborhood,  and  those,  of  whom  there  were 
many,  whose  families  had  followed  them  to  Mahanaim. 

"  The  loss  in  David's  army  had  been  so  small  that 
few  causes  of  grief  remained.  There  \vas  that  reac- 
tion of  the  mind,  that  buoyancy  of  spirit,  that  springing 
up  of  all  the  cheerful  and  glad  emotions  of  the  heart, 
that  ensue  when  some  dreaded  and  dreadful  calamity 
is  past  and  gone.  The  night  had  been  dark,  the  clouds 
black,  and  the  storm  loud ;  flasli  succeeded  flash,  peal 
answered  peal,  and  the  crash  of  contending  elements 
was  frightful.  But  now  the  darkness  had  vanished. 
The  clouds  were  fled,  and  the  storm  was  over.  The 
morning  light  was  abroad.  The  sun  had  risen,  and 
blessed  the  earth  with  clear  shining  after  rain.  The 
guardian  angel  of  the  season  had  passed  over  the  face 
of  nature,  and  had  left  her  '  robe  on  the  trees,  and  her 
breath  on  the  gale.'  Age  leaned  upon  its  stafl^,  and 
blessed  the  Lord.  Children  clapped  their  little  hands, 
and  sung  hosannas." 

30 


350  SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM. 

"  In  the  apartment  assigned  to  Phinehas  the  Levite," 
continued  Belial,  "  Jonathan,  Ahimaaz,  Tamar,  and  a 
few  other  friends  were  seated  at  a  table,  well  covered 
with  excellent  food.  They  were  in  the  midst  of  a 
lively  conversation,  when  a  servant  at  the  door  an- 
nounced a  stranger,  who  wished  to  speak  to  Ahimaaz. 

"  '  Tell  him  to  come  in,'  said  Phinehas. 

"  '  He  declines,'  said  the  servant,  '  and  wishes  to  see 
Ahimaaz  alone.' 

"  '  Who  can  he  be  ? '  said  Ahimaaz,  rising  and  going 
to  the  door  ;  when,  behold,  his  old  acquaintance,  the 
Kenite,  stood  before  him. 

"  '  What,  Ira,  is  it  you  ? ' 

*'  '  Yes,  I  wanted  to  ask  you  a  question.' 

"  '  What  is  it  ? '  said  Ahimaaz. 

"  '  Would  you  hurt  Ben  Huppim  now,  if  it  were  in 
your  power  ?  '  asked  Ira. 

"  '  Why,  you  foolish  boy,'  said  Ahimaaz,  '  did  you 
call  me  up  from  my  dinner  to  ask  me  such  a  question 
as  that  ? ' 

"  '  But  I  want  you  to  answer  me :  would  you  hurt 
him  now,  if  he  were  in  your  power  ? ' 

<<  <  Why,  no,  certainly  no,'  said  Ahimaaz  ;  '  the  war  is 
over  now  ;  we  would  not  hurt  any  one.' 


SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM.  351 

"  'But  you  know,'  said  Ira,  'it  was  he  that  pursued 
you  the  other  night  from  Enrogel  to  Bahurim,  and 
would  have  killed  you  if  he  could.' 

"  '  That  was  in  war  time,'  said  Ahiraaaz  ;  '  but  now 
we  must  forget  and  forgive.' 

"  '  I  am  glad  of  that,'  said  the  Kenite,  'for  he  is  now 
lying  wounded  on  the  battle-lield.' 

"  '  Are  you  sure  of  that  ? '  asked  Ahimaaz. 

"  '  O,  yes,'  said  the  lad  ;  '  for  as  soon  as  you  started 
for  the  city,  I  thought  I  would  go  over  the  field  where 
they  had  been  fighting,  and  see  if  I  should  know  any 
that  were  killed.  I  went  to  the  place  where  Absalom 
conmianded,  and  where  they  fought  so  long.  Tiiere 
were  many  dead  and  many  wounded.  And  there  was 
Ben  Huppim,  leaning  against  a  log,  severely  injured. 
He  wanted  water  very  much.  So  I  took  his  helmet 
and  brought  him  some  ;  and  I  told  him  I  thought  you 
would  befriend  him  if  you  knew  his  condition.  And 
he  requested  me  to  come  and  ask  you.' 

"  '  Come,  Jonathan,'  said  Ahimaaz,  entering  the 
room,  '  we  must  go  to  the  assistance  of  an  old  friend.' 

"  '  Who  ?  '  said  Jonathan. 

"  •  Ben  Huppim,  the  Danite  captain,  who  escorted  us 
in  such  style  to  Bahurim,  the  other  night.  He  is  out 
on  the  battle-field,  wounded.' 

"  '  Badly  ?  '  asked  Jonathan. 

"  'He  is  crippled,'  said  Ahimaaz,  'and  he  wants  our 
help.' 

"  '  He  shall  have  it,'  said  Jonatlian,  '  without  delay, 
Phinehas,  will  not  you  go  along  ?  ' 

"  '  Willingly,'  said  Phinehas  :  '  to  assist  the  distressed 
is  one  of  the  great  duties  of  life,' 


352  SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM. 

"  A  skilful  physician  was  called,  and  a  suitable  lit- 
ter provided,  and  the  party  set  out  under  the  guidance 
of  Ira  the  Kenite,  who,  greatly  pleased  with  the  suc- 
cess of  his  mission,  edified  them  with  his  observations 
and  opinions,  most  of  the  way  across  the  plain.  '  I 
asked  Ben  Huppim,'  said  he,  '  how  he  had  the  mishap 
to  get  crippled.  He  told  me  that  he  was  in  the  thickest 
of  the  battle,  figliting  hand  to  hand  with  the  strong  and 
valiant  Gittites.  Absalom  was  with  the  Danites,  en- 
couraging them  with  all  his  might.  Three  times,  he 
said,  the  Gittites  in  solid  column  had  charged,  and 
broken  through  the  ranks  of  Dan  ;  and  three  times,  at 
the  call  of  Absalom,  they  had  rallied  and  renewed  the 
fight.  Then  Absalom's  mule  began  to  rear  and  plunge, 
and  throw  down  its  head,  and  he  was  afraid  the  young 
king  would  be  thrown  to  tiie  ground.  So  he,  with 
many  others,  ran  to  render  him  what  assistance  they 
could  ;  when,  in  the  struggle  and  confusion,  he  received 
a  blow,  he  knows  not  from  whom,  by  which  he  was 
disabled.  And  then  the  mule  dashed  off  with  uncon- 
trolled fury,  bearing  Absalom  along.  Finding  that  ho 
was  badly  disabled,  the  captain  threw  himself  under 
the  large  trunk  of  a  fallen  tree  that  was  there  in  the 
wood,  and  both  armies,  pursuers  and  pursued,  passed 
by  him  and  over  him,  but  he  received  no  further  injury. 
But,'  said  Ira,  '  Ben  Huppim  did  not  know  that  Ab- 
salom was  dead,  till  I  told  him.  He  knew  oidy  that 
the  battle  was  lost.  But  when  I  told  him  how  Absa- 
lom was  hanged  in  the  oak,  and  run  through  with  the 
darts  of  Joab,  and  was  dead,  he  seemed  much  dis- 
tressed, and  sighed  and  moaned  deeply.' 

'■'  The  narrative  of  the   Kenite  had  run  on  thus  far 


SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM.  353 

without  interruption.  But  now  the  party  had  reached 
the  fatal  field,  and  before  them  were  the  sad  memorials 
of  the  ravages  of  war.  They  first  came  to  the  point 
where  Joab  had  routed  the  hosts  of  Judah.  The 
ground  was  literally  covered  with  shields  and  helmets 
cleft  in  twain,  pierced  breastplates,  broken  swords, 
spears  shivered,  or  cut  asunder,  mingled  with  arms, 
legs,  heads,  and  headless  bodies,  and  other  mangled 
remains  of  those  who  had  fallen  ;  while  all  the  ground 
was  red  and  slippery  with  blood  and  gore. 

"  Further  on  were  seen  the  daughters  of  Judah,  who 
had  followed  their  friends  to  this  dreadful  field.  There 
was  seen  the  tender  mother,  holding  up  the  head  of 
her  expiring  son,  and  giving  her  last  benediction. 
There  was  heard  the  wail  of  the  desolate  wife,  by  the 
cold  body  that  was  once  her  husband.  Here  was  the 
dutiful  daughter,  bestirring  herself  to  minister  to  the 
wants  and  soothe  the  sorrows  of  a  wounded  father. 
And  there  was  the  aff'ectionate  sister,  searching  and 
examining  among  the  carved  and  bloody  faces  of  the 
dead,  laboring  to  identify  the  features  of  a  brother, 
who  had  gone  to  the  battle,  but  had  not  returned.  Tiie 
plaints,  shrieks,  and  loud  laments  of  these  were  min- 
gled with  the  agonizing  groan  of  the  neglected  stran- 
ger, in  whose  behalf  no  friend  appeared,  and  the  star- 
tling howl  of  the  lone  dog,  whose  master  had  been  lost 
in  the  confusion  of  that  frightful  day,  while  wolves 
and  vultures  were  seen  gathering  round. 

"  '  What  a  desolating  scourge  is  war,  and  how  mani- 
fold are  its  horrors  !  '  exclaimed  Jonathan,  surveying 
the  mournful  scenes  around  him. 

30* 


354  SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM. 

"  '  There  is  Ben  Huppim  ! '  said  Iia  the  Kenite,  point- 
ing to  the  object  of  their  search. 

"  '  Captain  !  '  said  Ahimaaz,  '  we  sympathize  with 
you  in  yonr  affliction,  and  ai'e  come  to  administer  what 
assistance  and  comfort  we  can.' 

"  •  This  is  Aliimaaz,'  said  Ira,  'and  this  is  Jonathan, 
and  that  man  is  Phinehas  the  Levite,  of  Bahurim.' 

"  '  I'm  sorry,'  said  the  captain,  dropping  his  eyes  to 
the  ground,  '  to  give  trouble  to  persons  I  have  used 
so  ill.' 

"  'Not  a  word  of  that,'  said  Ahimaaz  ;  '  you  thought 
you  were  in  your  duty,  and  we  know  how  to  respect 
fidelity  and  worth,  even  in  a  mistaken  cause.  Is  your 
wound  severe  ? ' 

" '  Very  painful,'  said  the  captain,  '  though  I  think  if 
it  were  carefully  dressed,  I  may  hope  for  a  speedy 
recovery.' 

"  '  We  have  brought  a  skilful  physician,  who  will 
dress  and  bandage  the  wound,'  said  Ahimaaz  ;  '  but 
first,  here  is  a  little  fresh  water,  and  a  little  light  food. 
When  your  wound  is  properly  attended  to,  we  will  bear 
you  to  a  friend's  house  in  the  city.' 

"  '  You  are  very  kind,'  said  the  captain,  his  utterance 
much  affected  by  strong  emotions  of  gratitude  ;  '  may 
you  ever  have  kind  friends  in  the  time  of  trouble,  and 
far  distant  be  the  day  when  that  time  shall  come.' 

"  The  wound  was  speedily  and  skilfully  dressed,  and 
the  captain  was  borne  to  the  city.  On  their  way  they 
were  delighted  to  meet  company  after  company  going 
out  to  the  battle-ground  to  administer  relief  to  the 
sufferers. 


SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM.  355 

"  After  reaching  the  house,  the  captain  experienced 
much  abatement  of  his  pain,  and  much  of  the  cheer- 
fuhiess  and  good  humor  of  the  soldier  began  to 
appear. 

'•  The  wife  of  Phinehas  was  all  attention  and  kind- 
ness ;  but  there  Avas  something  in  her  manner,  and  a 
propensity  to  smile  in  her  countenance,  which  made  it 
evident  that  her  thoughts  were  with  the  scenes  of  for- 
mer days.  Ben  Huppim  saw  it,  and  feeling  now  per- 
fectly at  home,  entered  fully  into  the  spirit  of  the 
occasion. 

"  Phinehas,  also,  could  not  resist  the  temptation  to 
broach  the  subject  of  their  former  acquaintance,  and 
yet  he  was  anxious  to  do  it  with  all  possible  delicacy 
and  propriety. 

"  '  Captain,'  said  he,  *  we  leave  this  place  for  Bahu- 
rim,  in  a  day  or  two.' 

"  '  I  am  sorry  for  that,'  said  Ben  Huppim  ;  '  I  am  so 
much  at  home  already  in  your  family.' 

"  '  Merari,  the  owner  of  this  house,'  said  Phinehas, 
'  is  an  excellent  man,  and  will  take  pleasure  in  giving 
you  all  proper  attention.' 

*' '  Yet  I  regret  to  change  my  nurses,'  said  the  captain. 

" '  Why  so  ? '  asked  Phinehas. 

"  '  Because,'  said  the  captain,  '  you  improve  greatly 
on  acquaintance.' 

" '  How  will  you  make  that  appear  ? '  asked  Phinehas. 

"  '•  My  first  reception  at  your  house,'  said  the  captain, 
'  was  considerably  on  the  north  side  of  welcome.' 

"  '  Our  accommodations,'  said  Phinehas,  '  were  partly 
taken  up,  before  your  arrival,  by  other  visitors.' 

"  '  I  suspected  as  much,'  said  Ben  Huppim. 


356  SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM. 

"  '  You  must  come  to  see  us  again,'  said  Phinehas  ; 
*  I  hope  we  shall  be  prepared  to  treat  you  better.' 

",f  I  shall  be  happy  to  accept  your  invitation,'  said 
the  captain,  '  There  is  something  in  your  style  of 
housekeeping  that  I  wish  to  understand.' 

'' '  Ah,'  said  Phinehas,  '  what  can  that  be  ?  ' 

"  '  I  wish  to  learn  whether  you  have  a  well  about 
your  house,  for  I  saw  none.' 

"  '  An  excellent  well,'  said  Phinehas,  '  that  answers 
many  valuable  purposes.' 

" '  You  are  very  careful  strangers  shall  not  see  it.' 

"  '  Only  on  particular  occasions,'  said  Phinehas. 

''  '  And  then,'  said  the  captain,  '  I  wish  to  learn  why 
it  is  that  your  good  wife  suns  her  meal  after  sundown.' 
Then,  fixing  his  eyes  on  the  wife,  said  he,  '  Just  to 
think,  what  a  face  a  woman  can  put  on ! ' 

•'  '  Why,  captain,'  said  the  woman,  coloring  and 
laughing,  'I  would  have  done  the  same  thing  for  you, 
if  your  life  had  been  in  danger.' 

"  '  I  believe  it,'  said  the  captain  ;  '  and  I  like  those 
who  are  true  to  their  friends.  But  it  caps  the  climax 
of  all  the  tricks  that  ever  were  played  off  on  Captain 
Ben  Huppim !  ' 

"  We  must  now  leave  this  company  to  improve  their 
acquaintance,  in  order  to  notice  three  respectable-look- 
ing persons,  who  had  just  entered  the  city,  and  were 
making  their  way  to  the  apartments  of  King  David. 

"  These  were  no  other  than  Barzillai  the  Gileadite, 
Machir  of  Lodebar,  and  the  young  Ammonite  prince. 
David  received  them  with  the  \varmest  cordiality,  and 
the  strongest  expressions  of  gratitude  and  lasting  obli- 
gations.    '  You  have  fully  illustrated,'  said  the  king, 


SCENES     AT    MAHANAIM.  357 

'  the  good  old  maxim,  "  A  friend  in  need,  is  a  friend 
indeed."  ' 

'•  They,  on  their  part,  congratulated  the  king  on  the 
overthrow  of  the  insurgents,  and  the  vindication  of  his 
right  to  tlie  crown  and  kingdom  ;  averring  that  what 
they  had  done,  in  supplying  the  wants  of  his  army, 
was  only  their  duty,  and  had  heen  to  them  a  source  of 
the  higliest  gratification. 

"  '  My  servants,'  said  Barzillai,  '  have  just  arrived 
with  another  herd  of  beeves.  Some  choice  sheep, 
also,  have  been  brought  along  —  sheep  of  the  breed  of 
Bashan,  with  other  supplies.  And  the  good  mother  at 
home  has  sent  to  yourself  a  few  baskets  of  her  own 
preparing.  Women,  you  know,  have  their  own  notions 
about  cookery.' 

"  The  Ammonite  also  informed  the  king,  that  his 
hunters  had  brought  in  a  good  supply  of  venison, 
'  which,'  said  he,  '  may  now  be  growing  scarce  in  the 
highly  cultivated  country  round  about  Jerusalem  ;  a 
supply  also  of  other  articles,  which  I  hope  may  be 
acceptable  to  the  least  of  the  servants  of  my  lord.' 
For  with  great  delicacy  and  respect,  he  would  politely 
intimate,  that  nothing  which  he  could  furnish  was 
worthy  of  the  acceptance  of  the  king  himself. 

"  Machir,  of  Lodebar,  also  sustained  his  part  nobly, 
and  was  not  a  whit  behind  his  two  friends  in  the 
munificence  of  his  contributions. 

"  During  the  time  that  Barzillai  and  the  Ammonite 
were  making  their  communications  to  David,  Machir, 
of  Lodebar,  had  kept  somewhat  back,  and  seemed 
rather  to  conceal  his  countenance  from  the  king.  But 
as  soon  as  they  came   to  a  pause,  he  stepped  forward 


358  SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM. 

and  stood  erect  right  in  front  of  King  David.  He  was 
a  man  of  fine  figure  and  stiijiendous  frame  ;  and  there 
was  that  in  his  manner  and  movements  which  at  once 
made  it  plain,  that  a  portion  of  his  life,  at  least,  had 
been  spent  in  the  tented  field,  and  in  the  society  of 
military  men. 

"  '  You  have  forgotten  me,  my  lord,'  said*  he,  evi- 
dently under  the  influence  of  strong  feeling. 

"  '  I  should  know  that  voice,'  said  David,  fixing  his 
eyes  with  much  earnestness  on  the  chief;  '  and  that 
face,  too,  was  certainly  once  familiar.  Bat  time  and 
trouble  have  impaired  my  memory,  that  I  cannot  call 
names  as  formerly.' 

"  '  Do  you  remember,'  said  the  chief,  '  on  the  morn- 
ing you  went  forth  against  Goliath,  who  it  was  that 
walked  with  you  as  far  as  the  brook,  from  which  you 
took  the  five  smooth  stones,  and  then  only  turned  back 
at  your  earnest  request  ? ' 

"  David  sprung  to  his  feet,  in  ecstasy,  exclaiming, 
<  Machir  !  the  valiant  armor-bearer  of  my  early  friend 
Jonathan  ! '  and  he  threw  himself  forward  on  the  neck 
of  the  chief  with  strongly  excited  feeling.  Machir, 
Barzillai,  and  even  the  Ammonite,  shared  deeply  in  the 
sympathies  of  the  occasion, 

"  '  I  could  not  have  thought,'  said  David,  after  his 
emotions  began  to  subside,  '  that  1  should  ever  have 
had  any  difficulty  in  naming  you  at  first  si^ht.' 

"  '  My  lord,'  said  Machir,  '  great  changes  have  come 
over  me,  as  well  as  yourself,  since  our  last  meeting.' 

"  '  But  I  knew  yon  so  well,'  said  the  king  ;  '  1  was 
so  often  with  you  at  the  house  of  Jonathan,  as  well  as 
in  the  army,  and  then  you  were  v/ith  him  when  he 


SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM.  359 

came  to  rno  m  ihe  Avilderness  of  Ziph,  in  the  darkest 
period  of  my  persecutions.  Bat  why  Ijave  you  aban- 
doned pubhc  Hfe  ? ' 

"  '  My  lord,'  said  Machir,  '  you  know  how  I  was 
honored  by  the  confidence  and  friendship  of  that  noble 
and  wonderful  man,  who  was  once  the  favorite  of  all 
Israel.  When  I  saw  him  fall,  and  saw  his  family 
broken  and  desolate,  the  impression  on  my  mind  was 
so  deep,  of  the  vanity  of  earthly  fame  and  earthly 
prospects,  that  I  resolved  to  seek  a  better  and  more 
enduring  portion.  I  retired  to  private  life,  and  set  my 
heart  on  that  hope  that  is  beyond  the  grave.' 

"  '  A  wise  decision ! '  exclaimed  David.  Then  fixing 
his  eyes  on  Machir,  he  proceeded,  '  How  strongly  you 
remind  me  of  Jonathan,  my  early  friend  !  ' 

"  '  His  attachment  to  you,  my  lord,  was  marvellous,' 
said  Machir.  '  After  you  had  fled  to  the  court  of  Achish, 
king  of  Gath,  he  often  expressed  his  great  anxiety  for 
your  welfare.  Reports  were  circnlated,  that  you  had 
turned  away  from  the  worship  of  Jehovah,  and  adopted 
the  religion  of  Dagon.  Jonathan  promptly  pronounced 
them  base  falsehoods.  But  when  he  knew  that  you 
were  made  commander  of  the  life-guards  of  Achish, 
and  that  he  was  marching  against  Israel,  he  expressed 
his  fears  lest  you  should  be  brought  into  a  snare.  I 
remember  he  spoke  with  much  feeling  on  this  subject 
the  morning  before  the  battle  of  Mount  Gilboa.' 

"  '  Gilboa !  '  echoed  David.  '  So  then  you  were  with 
Jonathan  on  that  memorable  day.' 

"  'Yes,'  said  Machir;  '  on  Mount  Gilboa  I  was  with 
Jonathan,  in  his  last  battle-field.  And  sad  is  the 
remembrance  of  that  field  to  this  day.' 


360  SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM. 

"  '  I  was  long  anxious,'  said  David,  '  to  know  the 
particulars  of  Jonathan's  death,  but  none  could  tell  me. 
I  should  be  glad  to  hear  a  statement  from  you.' 

"  '  At  the  approach  of  the  battle,'  said  Machir,  '  King 
Saul  was  much  dejected.  His  usual  bravery  and  con- 
fident patriotism  appeared  to  have  forsaken  him.  The 
dejection  of  the  king  seemed  to  affect  the  whole  army  ; 
but  yet  many  brave  and  renowned  warriors  were  in 
arms  for  the  defence  of  their  country.  The  arrange- 
ment of  the  army  was  this.  The  right  wing  was  com- 
manded by  King  Saul  in  person.  The  left  wing  was 
led  by  Abner,  and  the  centre  was  commanded  by  Jona- 
than. His  reputation  was  so  great,  and  the  hold  he 
had  on  the  affections  of  the  people  so  strong,  that  a  vast 
number  of  veteran  warriors  had  identified  themselves 
with  this  division  of  the  army.  The  Philistine  host 
came  on  in  three  columns  towards  the  lines  of  Israel. 
In  front  of  Saul  appeared  the  giant  Ishbi-benob,  the 
son  of  Goliath  of  Gath,  and  by  his  side  was  the  giant 
Saph,  almost  his  equal  in  stature  and  st»-ength.  In 
front  of  Abner  appeared  the  giant  Lahmi,  the  brother 
of  Goliath,  and  another  son  of  the  giant  equally  formi- 
dable. Both  wings  of  our  army  gave  back,  and  fled  at 
the  first  assault.  As  soon  as  this  was  known  to  Jona- 
than, he  made  a  brief  and  burning  address  to  the  war- 
riors around  him,  then  charged  with  desperate  bravery 
on  the  centre  of  the  Philistine  host ;  he  carried  all 
before  him,  and  for  a  time,  it  seemed  as  if  victory 
might  yet  declare  for  Israel  ;  but  in  the  midst  of  his 
exertions  and  wonderful  deeds  of  valor,  his  armor 
became  somewhat  deranged  ;  an  arrow  from  the  foe 
smote  him  on  the  temple,  and  he  dropped  dead  on  the 


SCENES    AT    MAIIANAIM.  361 

battle-field.  The  hope  of  Israel  fell  with  him,  and 
instantly  all  our  forces  turned  and  fled.' 

•'  '  How  mysterious  and  wonderful  are  the  Avavs  of 
God  ! '  said  David.    '  His  counsels  are  past  finding  out.' 

"  'I  hare  long  wished  an  opportunity,  my  lord,'  said 
Blacliir,  <  to  express  to  you  my  gratitude  for  your  kind 
treatment  of  my  adopted  son,  as  I  may  call  him, 
Mephibosheth.' 

"  '  Ah,  yes,'  said  David,  '  I  remember  now,  it  was  in 
yoiu"  house  that  Mephibosheth  was  found  when  I  sent 
to  have  him  brought  to  Jerusalem,  that  I  might  show 
him  kindness  for  his  father  Jonathan's  sake.' 

"  '  Yes,'  said  Machir  ;  '  after  the  fatal  battle  of  Mount 
Gilboa,  the  wife  of  Jonathan,  Avith  her  son  and  nurse, 
in  terror  of  the  Philistines,  fled  to  the  country  east  of 
Jordan,  and  came  to  my  dwelling,  a  forlorn,  broken- 
hearted widow.  In  the  hurry  and  confusion  of  their 
flight  over  the  rocks,  the  nurse  suffered  the  child  to 
fall ;  he  was  sorely  crippled,  and  has  ever  since  been 
lame  on  both  his  feet.' 

"  '  I  am  happy  to  know,'  said  David,  '  that  the  deso- 
late and  bereaved  mother  and  child  found  a  home,  so 
warm  and  welcome,  in  your  house.  Having  been  Jona- 
than's armor-bearer  so  long,  when  his  name  was  the  pride 
and  the  joy  of  Israel,  you  would  know  how  to  be  kind 
to  the  afllicted  family  of  so  rare  and  excellent  a  man.' 

"  '  Ah,'  said  Machir,  '  if  kindness  could  have  availed 
to  soothe  her  sorrows  —  but  the  death  of  her  noble 
luisband  inflicted  a  wound  rq^on  her  heart  that  was 
absolutely  incurable.' 

"'Sad  change,' said  David;  'many  a  happy  horn 
have  I  spent  under  their  roof ;  when  no  family  in  Israel 

31 


3&Z  SCENES    AT    MAIIANAIM. 

had  prospects  so  promising  and  so  brilliant.     O  Jona- 
than we  shall  not  look  upon  thy  like  again  !  ' 

"  '  I  thought,'  said  Machir,  '  that  the  sorrow  of  her 
widowed  heart  had  reached  its  utmost  height,  when 
she  learned  of  a  surety  that  her  husband  was  dead ;  but 
when,  shortly  afterwards,  tidings  came  that  the  Philis- 
tines had  hung  up  the  bodies  of  Saul  and  Jonathan  by 
the  wall  of  Bethshan,  that  they  might  be  publicly  dis- 
graced, and  devoured  by  birds  of  prey,  the  tumult  of 
her  grief  was  such  that  it  seemed  she  could  not  live. 
I  resolved  to  venture  my  life,  in  order  to  alleviate  her 
anguish.  I  went  to  Jabesh-gilead.  I  reminded  them 
of  what  Saul  and  Jonathan  had  done  for  them  in  the 
day  of  their  distress.  Fifty  of  their  valiant  men  vol- 
unteered to  go  with  me.  We  crossed  Jordan  in  the 
night,  went  to  Bethshan,  and  took  down  the  bodies. 
The  good  providence  of  Jehovah  favored  us  in  our 
hazardous  undertaking,  for  none  of  the  enemy  inter- 
rupted us.  It  seemed  as  if  a  deep  sleep  from  God  had 
fallen  upon  them.  We  brought  the  bodies  of  Saul  and 
Jonathan  over  Jordan  to  Jabesh,  and  burned  incense 
over  them,  and  then  buried  them  under  a  tree  at  Jabesh, 
and  fasted  and  mourned  seven  days.' 

"  '  I  hope  your  kind  attentions  to  the  dead  afforded 
some  comfort  to  the  distressed  widow.' 

"  '  So  far,  my  lord,'  answered  Machir,  '  as  a  broken 
and  desolate  heart  can  receive  comfort  or  consolation  ; 
but  she  was  sinking  under  a  load  of  sorrows  too  heavy  to 
be  borne.  It  was  soon  evident  that  the  foundations  of 
life  were  giving  way;  that  her  tears  could  not  be  dried, 
and  that  she  would  not  long  remain  behind  her  beloved 
Jonathan.     She  spoke  of  him  almost  continually,  when 


SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM.  303 

she  spoke  at  all.  Earth  seemed  to  liavc  lost  all  its  inter- 
est to  her,  and  her  thoughts  and  hopes  ^vere  entirely 
directed  to  that  future  Avorld,  where  the  righteous  shall 
live  again,  where  friends  shall  meet,  and  the  troubles 
and  woes  that  surround  us  here  shall  be  forever  un- 
known.' 

"  '  Ah,  Machir,  Machir,'  exclaimed  David,  warmly 
grasping  his  hand,  '  that  is  a  glorious  hope ;  we  shall 
awake  in  the  likeness  of  our  God,  and  then  these  hearts 
will  ache  no  more.  Ah,  yes,  then  we  shall  be  satisfied, 
perfectly  and  forever  satisfied.' 

*• '  Of  that  glorious  hope,'  said  Machir,  '  her  soul  was 
full,  until  the  hour  when  she  breathed  out  her  life  ;  and 
then  I  had  her  body  conveyed  and  buried  by  the  grave 
of  Jonathan,  to  slumber  there  till  the  resurrection  of 
the  just.' 

" '  They  shall  be  had  in  everlasting  remembrance,' 
said  David,  wiping  away  the  tears  that  flowed  freely 
from  his  eyes. 

'• '  There  is  one  circumstance,'  said  Machir,  '  that  I 
must  not  omit,  for  I  know  it  will  interest  you.  You 
have  not  forgotten  the  fondness  of  Jonathan's  wife  for 
poetry  and  music.  Often,  while  I  was  his  armor- 
bearer,  have  I  witnessed  the  delight  and  animation  with 
which  she  would  sing  those  beautiful  psalms  you  had 
composed  to  the  praise  of  God.' 

'"0,  I  sliall  remember  it  while  I  live,'  said  David. 
'  She  hcnself  composed  a  number  of  sweet  odes  on  the 
same  subject,  in  the  days  of  their  prosperity.' 

"  '  You  will  also  remember,'  said  Machir, '  that  all  then- 
children,  except  Mephibosheth,  died  whcm  young.' 

"  '  Ah,  yes,'  said  David,  '  I  have  before  my  vision 


364  SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM. 

now  the  cave  and  that  little  range  of  white  pillars,  that 
Jonathan  set  up  near  their  peaceful  and  lovely  home  in 
the  plain  of  Gibeah.' 

"  '  We]},'  said  Machir,  '  I  was  going  to  mention  that 
a  few  weeks  before  she  died,  she  composed  a  sweet 
little  dirge  on  the  theme  of  her  family  bereavements ; 
for  the  death  of  her  husband  seemed  to  open  again 
the  wounds  given  by  all  her  earlier  afflictions,  and  cause 
them  to  bleed  afresh.  She  would  sing  it  at  early  dawn, 
and  at  the  close  of  day.' 

'"At  the  dawn  ?  '  asked  David, 

"  '  Yes,'  said  Machir  ;  '  the  freshness  and  music  of  the 
morning  seemed  but  to  give  a  new  impulse  to  the  tide 
of  her  sorrows.' 

"  '  I  should  be  greatly  gratified,'  said  David,  '  to  hear 
those  lines.     Can  you  repeat  them  ?  ' 

"  '  Repeat  them ! '  said  Machir.  '  They  are  engraven, 
as  with  the  point  of  a  diamond,  on  the  tablets  of  my 
memory.     They  ran  thus :  — 


SONG  OF  THE  WIFE  OF  JO^'TATHAN. 


"  How  earthly  flowers  will  fade  ! 
How  earthly  hopes  prove  vain  5 
And,  O,  that  promise,  how  divine, 
'  That  friends  shall  meet  again'  I 


II. 
'  My  ruined  house  and  home. 

It  thrills  my  heart  with  pain  ; 
Ah,  broken,  scattered  family  1 
Shall  we  not  meet  again  ? 


SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM.  305 

III. 
"  On  sad  Gilboa's  height 

Brave  Jonathan  was  slain ;  — 
Break  not,  my  heart ;  O  trust  in  God ; 
We'll  surely  meet  again. 

IV. 

"  My  sweet  and  lovely  babes, 
Low  buried  in  the  plain, 
Though  lonesome  now  and  desolate, 
I'll  meet  you  all  again. 

v. 

"  In  that  blest  world  above, 
Redeemed  from  every  stain, 
We'll  be  a  family  with  God  : 
O,  yes,  we'll  meet  again,"  ' 

"  '  Sweet  and  mournful,'  said  Barzillai  the  Gileadite, 
turning  to  the  king.  '  That  is,  indeed,  a  blessed  hope, 
"  that  friends  shall  meet  again."' 

"  '  A  blessed  hope,'  said  David,  '  and  we  realize  it  the 
more,  the  farther  we  adv^ance  in  the  journey  of  life.' 

'•' '  True,'  answered  Barzillai ;  '  I  iind,  as  I  grow  older, 
that  those  passages  in  the  sacred  books  become  ex- 
ceedingly precious,  which  declare  that  the  ancient 
saints,  at  death,  "were  gathered  to  their  people."  Of 
Abraham,  it  is  said,  "  he  was  gathered  to  his  people." 
Of  Isaac,  of  Jacob,  and  others,  they  "  were  gathered  to 
their  people."  Now,  at  the  age  of  fourscore,  my  early 
friends  almost  entirely  gone,  I  stand  like  the  lone  tree, 
where  the  whirlwind  has  prostrated  all  around  it.  But 
I  cherish  that  blessed  hope,  '•  that  friends  shall  meet 
again,"  and  I  shall  be  gathered  to  my  people.' 

"  '  My  lord,'  said  Machir  of  Lodebar,  addressing  the 
king,  '  there  is  yet  one  subject  I  should  like  to  mention 
to  you,  though  I  have  been  on  the  point  of  waiving  it.' 

31* 


866  SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM. 

"'I  shall  be  much  pleased  to  liear  you,'  answered 
David. 

"  '  You  know,'  continued  Machir,  '  that  the  church 
believes  that  many  of  the  patriarchs  ai,id  ancient  saints 
were  types  or  figures  of  One  that  is  to  come.  When 
we  read  the  inspired,  history  of  Adam,  of  Abraham,  of 
Joseph,  we  have  the  impression  on  our  mind,  a  greater 
than  Adam,  a  greater  than  Abraham,  a  greater  than 
Joseph,  is  here.  Moses  said  the  Messiah  should  be  "a 
prophet  like  unto  him."  ' 

" '  True,  most  true,'  rejoined  David,  with  kindling  ani- 
mation in  view  of  this  subject,  '  they  were  types  and 
figures  of  Him  on  whom  all  our  hopes  are  centred.' 

"  '  Is  not  the  providence  of  God,  now,'  said  Machir, 
'  as  wise  and  as  rich  with  instruction  as  it  was  in  the 
day  when  Abraham,  Joseph,  and  Moses  lived? ' 

"  '  Beyond  all  doubt,'  answered  David.  '  Bat  to  what 
does  your  question  tend  ?  ' 

" '  There  are  a  number  of  facts  in  the  life  and  char- 
acter of  Jonathan,'  said  Machir,  '  on  which  I  have  med- 
itated for  many  years,  and  I  think  I  have  been  taught 
by  the  Spirit  of  God,  tliat  they  are  full  of  typical  mean- 
ing and  instruction.'  * 

"  '  I  shall  rejoice  exceedingly  to  hear  you  give  speci- 
fications,' said  David.     '  I  have  long  regarded  Jonathan, 

*  The  author  is  fully  aware  that  some  of  the  expressions  in  this  con- 
versation belong  rather  to  the  times  of  New  Testament  saints,  than  to 
those  under  the  old  dispensation.  But  the  friendship  of  Jonathan  and 
David  affords  a  beautiful  illustration  of  the  affection  existing  between 
the  great  Son  of  David  and  his  spiritual  brethren.  The  train  of  thought 
has  interested  the  author,  and  may  interest  others ;  while  it  is  not  for  ua 
to  determine  how  clearly  the  Messiah  was  seen  by  the  Old  Testament 
saints. 


SCENES    AT    MAHANAIiM.  3G7 

in  the  amiableness  of  his  character,  as  having  had  few- 
equals  in  the  history  of  Adam's  race.' 

"  'First,  then,'  said  Machir,  'his  wonderful  love  to 
you :  so  strong,  so  disinterested,  so  unwavering,  and 
lasting  as  his  life.  Is  he  not  in  this  a  type  of  One  who 
has  loved  us  with  a  love  "strong  as  death," — a  love 
unchanging,  a  self-sacrificing  love,  a  love  that  shall 
endure  while  divinity  itself  endures  ? ' 

"  '  There  is  in  the  thought,'  said  David,  '  much  force, 
beauty,  and  sweetness.     Go  on.' 

"  'Again,'  said  Machir,  'Jonathan  confessed  his  friend- 
sliip  for  you  before  the  king,  his  father,  and  the  assem- 
bled armies  of  Israel.  Was  he  not  in  this  the  figure  of 
One  who  will  confess  our  names  before  the  Great  King 
and  the  armies  of  heaven  ?  ' 

" '  Blessed,  blessed  hope  ! '  ejaculated  David.   '  Go  on.' 

"  '  Jonathan,'  said  Machir,  '  arrayed  you  in  that  beau- 
tiful garment  that  he  wore  as  heir  to  the  crown.  Was 
he  not  a  type  of  One  who  is  heir  of  all  things,  and  who 
clothes  us  in  a  spotless  robe  —  One  who  is  "  the  Lord 
our  righteousness  "  ? ' 

"  '  A  truth  sublime  and  glorious  ! '  exclaimed  David. 
'  What  more  ? ' 

"  '  Jonathan,'  said  Machir, '  armed  you  with  his  armor, 
gave  you  his  sword,  his  girdle,  and  his  bow.  Siiould 
it  not  remind  us  of  One  who,  in  the  spiritual  warfare, 
teaches  our  hands  to  war  and  our  fingers  to  fight  ? ' 

"  David  sprang  to  his  feet,  and,  with  lifted  hands  and 
eyes,  exclaimed,  '  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  my  strength, 
who  so  richly  instructs  us  by  his  spirit,  his  word,  and 
his  providence.'  Then  turning  to  Machir,  '  Proceed, 
my  friend,  proceed.' 


36S  SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM. 

"'You  will  remember,'  said  Machir,  '  that  Jonathan, 
in  order  to  clothe  and  arm  you,  stripped  himself. 
There  is  a  greater  than  Jonathan,  whose  "  form  and 
comeliness  is  marred  "  for  our  sakes  ;  for  us  he  became 
''a  man  of  sorrows,"  stripped  of  his  heavenly  robe.' 

"  At  this  the  king  was  much  agitated ;  but  he  re- 
mained silent,  and  Machir  continued. 

'• '  Jonathan  interceded  before  the  king,  his  father,  in 
your  behalf,  A  greater  thaii  Jonathan  maketh  inter- 
cession for  us  before  the  Great  King, 

"  '  Jonathan  took  you  into  covenant  union  with  him- 
self ;  a  covenant  most  solemnly  ratified,  and  confirmed 
with  an  oath  ;  a  covenant  that  never  was  violated.  A 
greater  than  Jonathan  takes  ns  into  an  everlasting  cov- 
enant with  himself,  a  covenant  well  ordered  hi  all 
things  and  sure, 

'•  '  Once  more,  my  lord,'  said  Machir :  '  Jonathan,  in 
the  darkest  period  of  yonr  trials,  when  dangers  thick- 
ened around,  visited  you  in  the  wilderness  of  Ziph,  and 
spake  words  of  encouragement  and  consolation.  It 
should  remind  ns  of  that  Friend  who  sticketh  closer 
than  a  brother,  who  comforts  us  even  in  the  darkest 
hour,  and  even  walks  with  us  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death.     And,  finally, 

"  'Jonathan  promised  you  a  kingdom,  — a  kingdom 
over  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  Was  he  not  a  type  of  Him 
who  will  make  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God,  and  who 
will  bestow  on  us  a  kingdom,  —  a  kingdom  prepared 
from  the  foundation  of  the  world  ? ' 

"  The  king  had  continued  standing  until  Machir 
closed  his  remarks,  engrossed  by  the  interest  of  the 
subject.     He  then,  with  much  solemnity,  observed, — 

"  '  My  obligations  to  him  who  hath  redeemed  my  soul, 


SCENES    AT    MAHANAIM.  3G9 

grow  clearer  and  stronger  the  more  I  learn  of  his  ways. 
I  was  long  anxious  to  discharge  the  debt  of  gratitude 
which  I  owed  to  Jonathan :  what  shall  I  render  unto 
the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits  toward  me  ? ' 

"' I  confessed  my  obligations  to  Jonathan  publicly, 
before  my  whole  kingdom.  Yes,  and  I  will  confess 
and  honor  my  Redeemer  before  the  world.  I  will 
speak  of  his  testimonies  also  before  kings,  and  will  not 
be  ashamed.  ** 

" '  I  composed  and  sung  beautiful  stanzas  in  honor 
of  Jonathan,  and  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord  as  long  as  I 
live,  I  will  praise  my  God  while  I  have  any  being. 

"  'I  showed  kindness  to  Mephibosheth  for  his  father 
Jonathan's  sake,  and  I  will  show  kindness  to  the  chil- 
dren of  my  Redeemer,  for  the  love  I  owe  to  him.' 

"  The  conversation  of  David  and  his  three  friends 
now  turned  on  other  topics,  and  assumed  a  more  lively 
character.  The  king  now  took  particular  notice  of  the 
Ammonite  prince,  and  mentioned  the  kind  attentions 
he  had  received  from  Nahash,  his  father,  during  the 
time  he  was  hunted  and  pursued  by  the  jealousy  of 
Saul.  The  Ammonite,  in  return,  with  much  politeness 
and  propriety,  rehearsed  the  deep  and  abiding  interest 
his  father  had  taken  in  David's  welfare.  '  I  was  a  small 
lad  at  the  time,'  said  he  ;  '  yet  well  do  I  remember  how 
often  the  severity  and  unreasonableness  of  my  lord's 
persecutions  were  the  theme  of  conversation  in  my 
father's  house,  and  also  the  joy  that  inspired  the  whole 
family  circle,  when  we  learned  that  those  persecutions 
were  ended,  and  that  my  lord  liad  come  to  the  throne.' 

"  The  afternoon  passed  away  in  agreeable  and  varied 
conversation  ;  but  we  must  leave  them,  to  notice  another 
class  of  persons  who  demand  our  attention." 


370  THE    RETURN    TO    JERUSALEM. 


CHAPTER   XXVII. 

THE     RETURN    TO     JERUSALEM. 

9 

''  Lv  a  few  days  after  the  overthrow  of  Aosalom, 
Phinehas  the  Levite  departed  from  Mahanaim  on  his 
return  to  Bahurim.  Tamar  returned  with  the  family, 
and  they  were  accompanied  by  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan, 
whom  King  David  had  sent  with  some  important  mes- 
sage to  their  fathers.  Zadok  and  Abiathar. 

"  They  had  crossed  Jordan  in  safety,  and  were  re- 
joicing in  the  prospect  of  reaching  their  beloved  home, 
when  Phinehas  remarked  to  Jonathan,  '  Our  neighbor 
Shimei  is  now,  no  doubt,  in  great  perplexity.' 

•' '  Very  likely,'  answered  Jonathan. 

"  '  I  learn,'  said  Phinehas,  '  that  he  went  to  Absalom, 
and  told  him  how  he  had  cursed  David,  and  how  he 
had  discovered  where  you  and  Ahimaaz  were  hid  at 
Bahurim,  and  urged  Absalom  to  promote  him  to  some 
important  office.' 

"  '  And  how  did  he  succeed  ? '  asked  Jonathan. 

"'But  indilferently,'  said  Phinehas.  'Absalom  knew 
something  of  his  history,  and  spoke  of  Michal  deceiv- 
ing him  with  the  image,  and  Saul  losing  the  skirt  of  his 
robe,  while  Shimei  was  guarding  him,  and  some  other 
mishaps  in  his  early  life  ;  and  presently  the  news  was 
brought  that  xihithophel  had  despaired  of  their  cause, 


THE    RETURN    TO    JERUSALEM.  37  1 

and  had  hanged  himself.  This  alarmed  Sliimei,  and 
he  drew  off.  He  thought,  no  doubt,  that  if  there  was 
any  danger  of  Absalom's  failure,  he  had  gone  too  far 
already.  Shimei  would  gladly  know  whether  summer 
or  winter  is  coming,  before  he  decides  what  coat  he  will 
put  on.     But  he  must  be  in  great  perplexity  now.' 

"  With  such  conversation  the  party  hied  along  till 
the  buildings  of  Bahurim  rose  in  view. 

"  Frightful  rumors  of  the" vengeance  which  the  king, 
now  restored,  would  inflict  on  the  authors  of  the  dis- 
grace and  the  calamity  which  had  befallen  the  coun- 
try, had  been  spreading  and  increasing    from  day    to 
day.     Never  did  Fame  show  off  her  diversified  talents 
on  a  larger  scale  than  now.     Appalling  reports  of  the 
hot  treasures  of  royal  wrath,  that  were  reserved  and 
ready  for  the  leading  actors  in  this  wide-spread  mis- 
chief, had  come  on  the  wings  of  every  breeze.     And 
they  multiplied  and  magnified,  and  gathered  gloomi- 
ness in  their  progress.     The  fears  of  Shimei  told  him 
that  this  black   tempest   must   discharge   its  principal 
fury  on  his  devoted  head.     He  was  of  the  family  of 
Saul ;    and   busy  fame   had   not    omitted   to   circulate 
that  the  storm  of  the  rebellion,  that  burst  so  suddenly 
on  the  land,  had  originated  in  a  secret  influence  exerted 
from  that   quarter.      Shimei  himself  had  publicly  de- 
clared more  bitterness    against    David   tiian  any  man 
alive.     And  worse  still,  he  was  right  on  the  road  along 
which   the  king  would  return.     So  he  must  fall  into 
the  lion's  mouth  in  the  first  moments  of  his  devouring 
fury.     Could  he  have  been  kept  out  of  sight  till  public 
vengeance  was  glutted  and  gorged  with   the  blood  of 
others,  tlierc  might  be  mure  hope.     Bui  this  was  im- 


372  THE    RETURN    TO    JERUSALEM. 

possible.  He  thought  of  flight.  Bat  it  would  not  do  ; 
for  the  whole  country  was  full  of  persons  anxious  to 
recommend  themselves  to  the  king  on  his  return.  And 
Shimei  saw,  that  should  he  attempt  to  fly,  he  would 
certainly  be  pursued  and  brought  back  by  those  who 
were  anxious  to  make  their  own  peace  with  the  king. 

"  To  follow  Ahithophel's  example  seemed  the  only 
resort.  But  the  idea  of  hanging  had  always  been  hor- 
rible to  him.  He  thought  of  running  himself  through 
with  a  sword,  throwing  himself  from  a  precipice,  and 
other  forms  of  self-destruction.  But  his  heart  failed 
and  recoiled  at  the  prospect  of  each. 

"  Just  in  the  height  of  his  perplexity,  he  cast  his  eye 
on  the  Jordan  road,  and  discovered  Phinehas  the  Le- 
vite  and  his  company  returning  home.  Here,  he  saw, 
was  an  opportunity  of  learning  accurately  the  real  state 
of  things  around  David,  and  what  must  be  anticipated. 

''  He  had  aimed,  it  is  true,  to  injure  Phinehas,  and 
also  Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz,  in  his  report  to  Absalom. 
But  this  was  no  time  to  stand  upon  trifles.  He  has- 
tened, therefore,  and  met  his  old  acquaintances  with  a 
most  rueful  countenance  —  the  very  picture  of  extreme 
terror  and  despair. 

"  Cruelty  had  no  place  in  the  heart  of  Phinehas. 
And  though  in  Shimei's  days  of  vaporing,  and  putting 
on  airs  of  consequence,  Phinehas  had  indulged  his 
humor  freely  at  the  expense  of  the  man  of  the  house 
of  Saul,  yet  now,  when  Shimei  stood  before  him,  hag- 
gard and  trembling  in  every  limb,  and  evidently  tor- 
tured with  horrible  anticipations,  the  sympathies  of 
Phinehas  were  strongly  moved ;  for  the  object  before 
him  was  most  pitiable. 


THE    RETURN    TO    JERUSALEM.  373 

"  '  Neighbor  Shimci,  how  are  you  to-day  ? '  asked 
Phinehas. 

"  '  Rumed,'  said  Shiniei,  '  utterly  undone.' 

"  '  Not  so  bad  as  that,  I  hope,'  said  Phinehas. 

'"ButDavidis  coming  back  triumphant,' said  Shimei. 

" '  Certainly  he  is,  and  as  he  was  a  good  king  before,  no 
doubt  he  will  be  a  good  king  again,'  answered  Phinehas. 

"  'Ah,  but  what  of  those  that  rose  up  against  him  ? 
What  can  they  do  ?  '       ^ 

"  '  They  are  defeated,'  said  Phinehas,  '  and  many  of 
them  dead,  and  the  rest  have  fled,  every  man  to  his  tent.' 

"  '  O,  had  I  known  the  matter  would  turn,  out  thus,' 
said  Shimei,  '  I  should  have  acted  very  dillercntly.' 

"No  doubt  of  that,'  answered  Phinehas  ;  '  but  mor- 
tals are  blind  to  the  future.' 

"  '  O,  I  have  been  so  imprudent !  '  said  Shimei  : 
'  there  was  no  necessity  for  my  coming  out  so  publicly, 
and  saying  so  much  that  was  provoking  to  King  David 
at  that  time.  I  might  just  as  well  have  been  quiet,  till 
1  could  have  seen  how  things  would  go.  I  am  vexed 
with  myself.' 

"  '  It  is  too  late  to  correct  that  now,'  said  Phinehas. 

"  '  I  have  heard  that  the  king  has  slain  all  that  joined 
in^  the  rebellion,'  said  Shimei,  'who  have  fallen  into 
his  hands  since  the  overthrow  of  Absalom.' 

"  '  Few  have  been  taken  as  yet,'  said  Phinehas  :  '  I 
think  they  have  mostly  fled;  but  certain  it  is,  none 
have  been  slain  since  the  battle.' 

"  '  But  has  ho  not  said,  that  all  who  took  part  in  the 
rebellion  shall  be  put  to  death  ? ' 

"  '  Not  that  I  have  lieard,'  said  Phinehas  ;  '  and  I  have 
no  idea  he  will  adopt  such  a  course.' 

32 


374  THE    RETURN    TO    JERUSALEM. 

"'But  the  ringleaders  will  certainly  be  sorely  pun- 
ished,' said  Shimei. 

"  '  That  depends,  I  should  think,'  answered  Phinehas, 
'  on  whether  they  promptly  return  to  their  duty  as  loyal 
subjects.' 

"  '  Did  you  hear  the  king  say  any  thing  about  my 
cursing  him,  as  he  went  through  Bahurim  ? ' 

"  '  Not  a  word,'  answered  Phinehas. 

"  '  Do  you  think  he  looks^  upon  me  as  one  of  the 
ringleaders  in  this  rebellion  ?  ' 

"'I  should  think  not.'  said  Pliinehas,  scarcely  resist- 
ing the  temptation  to  smile. 

"  '  I'm  in  a  most  liorrible  situation,'  said  Shimei : 
'Ahithophel's  plan  appears  all  that  is  left  to  me.' 

'''Be  not  so  rash,'  said  Phinehas:  'you  have  cer- 
tainly done  not  only  foolishly,  but  wickedly  ;  but  don't 
make  your  case  worse  by  acting  more  wickedly  still.  I 
would  gladly  help  you  if  I  could.  I  am  just  returning 
home :  come  to  see  me  after  an  hour,  and  I  will  give 
you  the  best  counsel  I  can.' 

"  '  If  you  can  help  me,  or  advise  me  for  the  best,'  said 
Shimei,  '  you  will  lay  me  under  everlasting  obligations. 
If  I  were  only  out  of  this  difficulty,  I  am  resolved  king- 
doms may  rise  and  fall  as  they  please  ;  my  political  career 
shall  be  closed.  No  kingdom  has  fallen  in  Israel  since  I 
was  born,  but  I  have  been  involved  in  serious  injury  ;  but 
Saul  and  Ishbosheth  together  brought  me  into  no  such 
jeopardy  as  this  failure  of  Absalom.  If  I  were  fairly 
rid  of  it,  I  say  again,  my  political  career  is  ended.' 

"  '  Come  to  me  after  an  hour,'  said  Phinehas,  '  and 
you  shall  have  my  best  counsel.' 

"  So  saying,  the  company  went  on  to  the  house  of 
Phinehas. 


THE  RETURN  TO  JERUSALEM,  375 

"  '  What  will  yon  attempt  in  belialf  of  tliat  poor, 
distracted  fellow  ? '  said  Jonatlian  to  Phinehas,  after 
they  had  entered  the  house. 

"  '  You  see,'  answered  Phinehas,  '  that  he  is  trem- 
bling in  an  agony  of  terrible  apprehension.  He  has 
done  badly,  but  I  suppose  that  since  he  has  heard  of 
Absalom's  downfall,  he  has  sufiered  tenfold  more  than 
a  brave  man  endures  in  being  actually  put  to  death.  1 
learn  that  a  large  company  of  young  Benjamitcs  are 
preparing  to  go  as  far  as  Jordan,  to  meet  the  king  on 
his  return.  Now,  I  have  thought  of  advising  Shimei 
to  join  the  company,  and  go  to  meet  the  king,  make  a 
full  confession  of  his  fault,  and  implore  forgiveness.  I 
think  the  king,  in  that  case,  would  overlook  his  oftence, 
and  let  him  live  ;  and  moreover  several  of  the  young 
men  that  are  going,  are  very  fond  of  amusement.  I 
shall  suggest  to  them — and  I  think  it  will  take  —  to 
give  Shimei  a  kind  of  temporary  commission  :  let  him 
march  at  their  head,  and  come  before  the  king  with  the 
honor  of  having  brought  a  large  company  to  meet  him 
and  welcome  him  back.  If  it  strikes  the  young  men 
favorably,  it  will  bo  a  capital  thing.  It  will  be  an  old 
soldier  in  the  last  of  his  fields.  Should  the  arrange- 
ment take,  and  the  king  restore  him  to  favor,  it  will  bo 
a  fine  winding  up  of  his  political  career,  as  he  calls  it. 
And  I  think  he  has  been  sufficiently  frightened,  to  l)c- 
have  quietly  the  remainder  of  his  life.' 

"  Ahimaaz  and  Jonathan  were  liighly  pleased  with 
the  proposed  plan,  and  soon  departed  on  the  mission  to 
Jerusalem,  intrusted  to  them  from  the  king.  Zadok 
and  Abiathar  joyfully  received  their  two  sons,  who  had 
acted  so  wisely,  and  been  so  serviceable  to  David,  and 


376 


THE    RETirRN    TO    JERUSALEM. 


to  Israel,  at  this  critical  and   trying  period.     After  the 
greeting  and  congratulations  were  over,  — 

"  '  Have  you  any  charge  from  the  king  ? '  said  Zadok. 
"  '  We  have,'  answered  Ahimaaz  ;  '  many  requests 
have  been  sent  to  the  king,  that  he  would  return  to 
Jerusalem,  and  take  charge  of  the  government  again  ; 
but  these  requests,  as  yet,  have  all  come  from  other 
tribes,  and  Judah  has  kept  silent. 

"  '  The  princes  of  Judah,'  said  Zadok,  '  have  so  gen- 
erally and  decidedly  taken  part  with  Absalom,  that 
they  are  ashamed  to  make  any  public  move  for  David's 
return.' 

•''  '  The  king  thought,'  answered  Ahimaaz,  '  that  it 
would  be  proper  for  you  and  Abiathar  to  speak  to  the 
elders  of  Judah,  and  urge  them  not  to  be  the  last  to 
invite  the  king  to  return  to  his  palace  and  kingdom, 
as  he  is  now  disposed  to  overlook  and  forget  the  part 
that  each  has  taken  in  the  recent  rebellion.' 

"  '  We  will  do  so  with  pleasure,'  replied  Zadok  ; 
'  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  assurance  of  forgive- 
ness will  greatly  influence  them  to  act  promptly.' 

"  '  Our  further  commission,'  said  Ahimaaz,  '  touches 
a  more  delicate  and  critical  matter.' 

"  '  How  so  ?  '  asked  Zadok  and  Abiathar  at  once. 

"  '  It  relates  to  Amasa,'  said  Ahimaaz. 

"  '  I  understand,'  said  Abiathar,  '  that  Amasa  looks  on 
his  case  as  desperate,  as  he  was  commander-in-chief 
under  Absalom,  and  headed  the  rebels  in  the  battle.' 

"  '  What  does  the  king  say  of  him  ? '  asked  Zadok  : 
'  is  there  any  hope  of  pardon  for  him,  if  he  submits  to 
David  ?  ' 

"  '  Yes,  pardon  and  promotion  to  the  highest  honors,' 
answered  Ahimaaz. 


THE    UF.TTTRN    TO    JERUSALEM.  377 

"  '  Promotion  !     How  ? ' 

"  '  The  king  says  Amasa  shall  be  commander-in-chief 
instead  of  Joab.' 

•' '  Instead  of  Joab  !  '  exclaimed  Zadok.  '  I  fear  that 
will  be  a  new  sonrce  of  trouble.' 

"  •  Surely,'  said  Abiathar,  '  Amasa  will  have  more 
decency  and  sense  of  propriety,  than  to  be  willing  to 
supplant  the  man  who  was  the  great  instrument  in 
saving  the  kingdom  and  the  throne  of  David.' 

"  '  I  am  not  sure  of  that,'  said  Zadok.  '  Amasa  loves 
office,  and  if  the  king  makes  him  this  otfer,  I  think  he 
will  be  glad  to  accept  it.' 

"  '  It  is  much  to  be  regretted,'  said  Ahimaaz,  '  that 
David  resents  the  death  of  Absalom  so  deeply,  when  it  is 
plain  that  nothing  short  of  it  could  have  quelled  the  re- 
bellion. Joab  will  endure  any  thing  from  his  uncle,  but 
Amasa  had  better  beware  how  he  crosses  the  lion's  path.' 

"  '  The  attempt  to  put  Amasa  in  Joab's  place,'  said 
Abiathar,  '  would  be  most  unpopular  with  the  army, 
and  indeed  with  the  whole  country  that  favors  David. 
And  I  fear  it  will  increase  the  complaints  often  made 
against  the  king,  that  he  wrongs  tried  and  faithful 
friends,  in  order  to  win  over  and  conciliate  the  doubtful 
and  the  disaffected.' 

"  There  was  now  much  bustle  and  preparation  in 
reference  to  the  king's  return  to  his  palace  and  throne, 

"Barzillai  the  Gileadite,  and  many  friends  beyond 
the  river,  accompanied  the  king  as  far  as  Jordan  on  liis 
return.  The  king,  with  a  heart  full  of  gratitude,  urged 
Barzillai  to  come  with  him  to  Jerusalem,  and  give  him 
an  opportunity  of  showing  his  high  sense  of  his  gen- 
erous and  timely  assistance.     But  the  worthy  old  chief 

32* 


378 


THE    RETURN    TO    JERUSALEM. 


said  he  had  done  only  his  duty,  and  wished  no  com- 
pensation. After  seeing  the  king  safe  over  Jordan,  he 
said  'he  wished  to  return  to  his  home,  that  he  might 
die  there,  and  be  buried  by  the  grave  of  his  father  and 
his  mother.'  King  David  was  much  affected  by  the 
sincere  and  warm-hearted  friendship  of  this  venerable 
man.  He  dismissed  him  kindly,  that  he  might  return 
home  according  to  his  wish.  But  the  king  took  Chim- 
ham,  the  son  of  Barzillai,  with  him  to  Jerusalem,  and 
bestowed  on  him  many  tokens  of  his  favor. 

"  Before  concluding  this  narrative,"  said  Belial,  "  I 
would  observe,  that  the  period  David  remained  in  exile 
at  Mahanaim  became  a  memorable  era  in  the  annals  of 
that  city.  The  incidents  that  took  place  there  were 
long  the  favorite  themes  of  conversation  among  the 
plain  people  in  that  sequestered  part  of  the  country  ; 
and  many  years  afterward,  when  Abijam,  the  grandson 
of  Solomon,  visited  that  section  of  the  kingdom,  there 
were  still  living  those  who  could  rehearse  interesting 
traditions,  and  point  out  the  house  where  the  king  was 
lodged  while  he  sojourned  there,  and  the  couch  on 
which  he  reposed ;  the  position  he  occupied  when  giv- 
ing charge  to  the  officers  and  the  soldiers  to  deal  gently 
with  Absalom ;  the  field  where  the  battle  was  fought  ; 
the  tree  on  which  Absalom  was  hanged ;  the  great 
heap  of  stones  that  were  piled  over  him  ;  also  the  place 
where  the  king  stood  while  Ahimaaz  and  Cushi  were 
seen  running  over  the  plain,  bringing  news  of  the  result 
of  the  battle  ;  and  the  chamber  into  which  he  retreated 
and  wept,  when  told  that  Absalom  was  dead.  From 
parent  to  child,  these  traditions  were  handed  down  for 
many  generations." 


SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION.        379 


CHAPTER    XXVIII. 

SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION. 

Two  demons  now  arose  at  the  same  moment,  with 
strong  expressions  of  interest,  and  each  addressed  the 
speaker  —  "A  question." 

"  Speak  one  at  a  time,"  said  Belial. 

1st  Demon.  I  wished  to  ask  if  the  princes  of  Judah 
came  to  meet  the  king  at  Jordan,  and  welcome  him 
home. 

"  Most  of  them  did,"  answered  Belial.  "  They  now 
saw  that  Absalom's  attempt  was  rash,  foolish,  and 
wicked ;  and  now  that  he  was  dead,  they  were  glad  to 
have  David  return  to  the  throne  again.  They  were 
conscious  they  had  done  wrong  in  favoring  Absalom. 
They  were  David's  old  friends,  and  received  him  with 
much  cordiality.  David,  on  his  part,  met  them  with 
kindness  and  reconciUation." 

2,d  Demon.  I  wished  to  ask,  if  the  princes  of 
Israel  now  generally  returned  to  their  allegiance. 

"  Many  of  them  did,"  said  Belial ;  "  but  a  disagree- 
ment arose  between  the  princes  of  Judah  and  those  of 
Israel,  respecting  their  claims  to  the  king's  favor.  And 
I  tempted  an  ambitious  man,  Shcba,  the  son  of  Bichri, 
by  name,  to  make  an  effort  to  Icacl  off  in  a  new  rebel- 


380  SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION. 

lion,  though  I  had  but  little  hope  of  success.  Some  of 
the  princes  of  Israel,  however,  took  part  with  him." 

"  Who  was  Sheba,  the  son  of  Bichri  ?  "  inquired  one. 

"  He  was  a  Benjaraite,  of  some  distinction,  who  had 
been  an  officer  in  the  army  of  Absalom,  and,  hearing 
that  Amasa  was  to  be  promoted  in  David's  favor,  came 
to  meet  the  king  at  Jordan,  calculating  that  he  too 
would  receive  some  office  or  mark  of  special  regard. 
Being  disappointed,  he  blew  a  trumpet,  and  said,  '  We 
have  no  part  in  David,  neither  inheritance  in  the  son 
of  Jesse ;  every  man  to  his  tent,  O  Israel.'  (iuite  a 
number  of  princes  and  people  followed  him." 

"I  was  anxious  to  inquire  what  became  of  Shimei," 
said  another. 

Belial  smiled  ;  indeed  there  was  a  general  disposition 
to  laugh  manifested  through  the  assembly,  and  voices 
were  heard,  "Good,  good;  let  us  hear  of  Shimei." 

"  Shimei,"  said  Belial,  "  according  to  the  plan  of 
Phinehas  the  Levite,  had  thrown  himself  into  the  com- 
pany of  the  young  Benjamites  who  came  down  to  Jor- 
dan to  meet  the  king.  They  allowed  him  to  march  at 
the  head  of  their  column,  which  greatly  delighted 
Shimei,  and  caused  his  old  military  habits  to  revive, 
and  flourish  in  fine  style.  But  at  the  sight  of  the  king, 
with  Abishai  at  his  side,  the  heart  of  Shimei  was  like 
to  fail.  However,  he  crossed  the  river,  threw  himself 
at  the  feet  of  the  king,  confessed  his  fault,  and  im- 
plored forgiveness.  David  was  now  disposed  to  be 
reconciled  to  all  who  had  injured  him.  He  spoke 
kindly  to  Shimei,  and  promised  him  forgiveness.  Thus 
Shimei  escaped  the  vengeance  he  had  dreaded,  and  de- 
termined to  meddle  with  political  revolutions  no  more. 


SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION.        381 

'•'  It  was  not  long  till  his  resolution  on  this  subject 
was  put  to  the  test,  for  when  Sheba,  the  son  of  Bichri, 
had  resolved  to  head  a  new  rebellion,  among  the  men 
he  spoke  to  soliciting  aid  in  his  intended  enterprise, 
was  Shimei,  who  had  now  resumed  his  station  at  the 
head  of  the  company  of  Benjamites. 

"  '  Excuse  me,'  said  Shimei,  *  excuse  me  ;  a  burnt 
child  dreads  the  fire.  I  have  just  made  a  narrow  escape 
from  the  bitter  consequences  of  one  sad  mistake.  My 
head  is  positively  turned  gray  with  agony.  I  am 
resolved  to  meddle  with  revolutions  no  more  ;  at  least, 
while  their  success  is  doubtful.' 

"  Soon  after  the  king  reached  Jerusalem,  tidings  came 
that  a  large  multitude  was  still  following  after  Sheba, 
the  son  of  Bichri.  So  he  commanded  Amasa,  to  whom 
he  was  still  resolved  to  transfer  the  chief  command  of 
the  army,  to  assemble  the  men  of  Judah,*  within  three 
days,  to  pursue  and  disperse  the  rebels.  Amasa,  highly 
gratified  and  flattered,  set  out  on  his  mission. 

"  The  state  of  public  sentiment  in  reference  to  Ama- 
sa's  new  position,"  said  Belial,  "  may  be  illustrated  by 
relating  what  took  place  at  Bahurim,  where  he  made 
an  attempt  to  recruit  soldiers. 

"  Fame  soon  proclaimed,  through  the  entire  commu- 
nity of  Bahurim,  the  arrival  of  Amasa,  and  the  object 
for  which  he  had  come.  The  consequence  was,  that 
from  one  end  of  the  town  to  the  other,  the  men  disap- 
peared with  astonishing  celerity.  Amasa  went  along 
the  principal  street,  till  near  the  centre  of  the  popula- 


*  It  appears  from  the  sacred  history,  that  from  this  period  Benjamin 
is  always  included  with  Judah,  when  a  distinction  is  made  between 
Judah  and  Israel.  The  men  of  Israel  claimed  "ten  parts"  in  the 
king ;  that  Is,  ten  out  of  twelve, 


3S2 


SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION. 


tion.  There  he  blew  a  trumpet,  and  proclaimed  that 
the  citizens  were  called  on  to  embody  and  join  the 
army  of  the  king,  in  order  to  follow  Sheba,  the  son  of 
Bichri.  But  none  responded  to  the  call ;  not  a  man  ca- 
pable of  bearing  arms  appeared,  and  the  streets  looked 
deserted,  and  even  the  houses  seemed  but  sparsely 
inhabited ;  here  and  there  a  lone  woman,  or  a  small 
boy,  might  be  seen,  taking  a  momentary  peep  from  a 
door  or  Mandow ;  but  plainly,  from  some  cause,  there 
was  small  likelihood  of  recruiting  an  army  hers. 

"  '  What  can  be  the  meaning  of  this  ! '  exclaimed 
Amasa,  in  a  tone  of  fierce  displeasure.  <  Has  the  spirit 
of  rebellion  become  universal  here  ? ' 

"  'Who  talks  of  the  spirit  of  rebeUion?  And  who 
are  you,  disturbing  our  quiet  and  peaceable  town  ? ' 

"  These  words  were  spoken  loud  by  a  shrill,  firm, 
female  voice,  that  seemed  to  challenge  debate. 

"  Amasa  turned  to  see  the  speaker,  and  beheld,  in  the 
door  of  one  of  the  nearest  buildings,  a  tall,  slender 
woman,  of  narrow  visage,  and  remarkably  small,  pier- 
cing eyes.  Her  nimble  tongue,  which  showed  itself 
repeatedly  between  a  pair  of  uncommonly  thin  lips, 
seemed  keeping  time  with  the  penetrating  twinkle  of 
those  keen,  courageous  eyes.  Her  age  might  be  that 
of  a  grandmother ;  but  her  form  was  erect  and  her 
manner  firm  and  undaunted.  Indeed,  there  was  that 
in  her  whole  attitude  and  demeanor,  which  showed 
that  she  stood  forth  as  the  advocate  of  the  town  of 
Bahurim,  and  that  she  felt  herself  fully  competent  to 
the  task. 

"  '  Who  talks  of  the  spirit  of  rebellion  ? '  she  repeated, 
looking  Amasa  full  in  the  face;  'and  who  are  you, 
disturbing  our  quiet  and  peaceable  town  ? ' 


SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION.  383 

"  '  I  am  commander-in-chief  of  the  king's  army,' 
answered  Amasa,  '  and  I  have  come  to  raise  soldiers  for 
his  service.' 

"  '  You  commander-in-chief  of  the  king's  army ! ' 
said  the  grandmother,  in  accents  of  displeasure  mingled 
with  scorn  ;  '  you  are  not  Joab.' 

"  '  No,  I  am  Amasa.  who  have  succeeded  Joab  in  the 
command.' 

"  '  Amasa ! '  exclaimed  the  old  woman  ;  '  Amasa ! 
what,  not  that  man  who  was  the  leader  of  Absalom's 
army  in  the  rebellion  !  ' 

"  '  Yes,  the  same,'  said  Amasa,  though  with  evident 
shame  and  mortification. 

"  '  What,'  said  the  old  woman,  '  can  it  be  possible 
that  you  are  that  Amasa  who  led  Absalom's  large  army 
through  our  town,  five  or  six  days  ago,  pursuing  King 
David  over  Jordan,  in  order  to  slay  him.  You  were 
calling  for  soldiers  then,  were  you  not  ? ' 

"' Yes,' replied  Amasa;  'I  think  we  were  beating 
up  for  volunteers,  as  we  passed  through  Bahurim.' 

"  '  Your  army  was  very  large.  I  was  told  you  had 
one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  men  by  the  time  you 
reached  Jordan.' 

"  '  We  had  a  very  large  army,'  answered  Amasa. 

"  '  And  where  is  that  army  now  ? '  asked  the  woman, 
bitterly. 

"  '  I  suppose,'  answered  Amasa,  '  you  know  we  were 
defeated.' 

"  '  And  why  did  not  you  stand  by  your  men,  and  by 
your  young  king  ?  You  left  him  hanging  in  an  oak  ; 
and  left  them  to  be  slaughtered  by  the  servants  of 
David,  while    you  tied  to  secure  inglorious  safety  to 


384        SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION. 

yourself — and  now  you  come  here  calling  for  more 
soldiers.  I  tell  you,  Bahurim  has  furnished  you  with 
too  many  soldiers  already.  There  is  Rachel,  my  next 
door  neighbor,  poor  woman !  three  of  her  sons  were 
beguiled  to  follow  you  when  you  came  through  here, 
pursuing  after  David,  and  only  one  of  them  has  re- 
turned. Two  of  them  died  on  the  field  of  battle,  while 
you  were  flying  to  save  your  worthless  life.  Go  on  ! 
go  on  ! '  she  exclaimed,  shaking  her  long,  skinny  finger 
at  Amasa,  while  her  whole  frame  quivered  with  violent 
emotion.  '  Go  on  !  go  on  !  you'll  find  no  more  soldiers 
here.  No  mother  is  going  to  send  her  sons  with  such 
a  commander  as  you.' 

"  '  Deliver  us  !  '  exclaimed  Phinehas  the  Levite,  look- 
ing cautiously  from  the  window,  for  his  house  was 
nearby  — '  deliver  us !  if  Amasa  has  not  run  upon  a 
set  of  edged  tools  this  morning.  Here  is  old  aunt 
Deborah,  in  the  open  street,  pouring  upon  him  the  full 
tide  of  one  of  her  most  eloquent  orations.  Retreat, 
man  !  retreat !  '  he  continued,  apostrophizing  Amasa  ; 
'  you'll  find  her  lips  and  tongue  keener  and  sharper  than 
the  weapons  from  which  you  fled  at  the  field  of  Maha- 
naim.' 

"  '  I  think,'  said  the  wife  of  Phinehas,  leaning  on 
the  shoulder  of  her  husband,  and  looking  out  through 
the  window.  '  I  think  he  will  find  the  tide  of  her  elo- 
quence not  only  strong,  but  scalding  hot.  See,  she 
begins  again ! ' 

"  '  You  said  you  had  the  orders  of  the  king,'  cried 
the  shrill  voice  of  old  Deborah,  again  addressing  Amasa. 
'  And  how  comes  it  that  you,  who  a  few  days  ago 
were  pursuing  King  David  to  take  his  life,  are  now 


SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION.        385 

carrying  his  orders  through  the  country  to  recruit  sol- 
diers for  his  army  ? ' 

"  '  The  king  has  made  me  his  chief  commander,  and 
I  have  his  authority,'  said  Amasa. 

"  '  Well,  if  an  old  woman  may  speak  her  mind  freely, 
he  must  have  been  scant  of  material  for  manufacturing 
commanders,  when  he  took  the  ringleader  of  the  rebels 
and  put  him  at  the  head  of  his  own  army.  But  where 
are  his  old  faithful  commanders  that  have  led  his  armies, 
and  fought  his  battles,  and  gained  his  victories,  for 
more  than  twenty-five  years  past?  Where  are  the  two 
sons  of  Zeruiah  ?     In  short,  where  is  Joab  ? ' 

"  'Joab,'  said  Amasa,  'is  put  out  of  office  for  killing 
Absalom.' 

"  '  Yes,  and  he  did  it  to  save  his  uncle's  throne  and 
kingdom,  when  he  saw  that  the  rebellion  was  so 
general,  that  nothing  but  the  loss  of  their  leader  could 
quell'  it,  and  make  the  princes  return  to  their  duty  ; 
and  he  knew,  at  the  same  time,  that  he  was  risking 
himself,  not  only  his  office,  but  his  life.  And  to  speak 
the  truth,  I  think  it  the  most  exalted  deed  of  patriot- 
ism that  I  ever  heard  of  in  all  my  days  ;  and  what  is 
more,  the  whole  country  think  so  too.  Few  men, 
Amasa,  will  risk  themselves  for  the  support  of  another 
in  a  case  like  this.  But  we  know  the  king.  He  is  a 
good,  tender-hearted  father,  and  if  he  was  even  unrea- 
sonable while  grieved  for  the  death  of  his  son,  we  can 
make  allowance  for  him.  Bat  for  you,  Amasa,  wliat 
shall  we  say  of  you  ?  Were  not  you  ashamed,  during 
the  king's  paroxysm  of  grief  and  displeasure,  to  allow 
yourself  to  be  made  a  tool  for  dishonoring  the  most 
brave  and  faithful  officer  lliut  ever  stood  by  the  side  of 

33 


386        SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION. 

a  throne?  You  should  have  showed  yourself  a  man, 
Amasa  —  you  should  have  spurned  the  suggestion. 
You  should  have  told  his  majesty,  "No,  I  can't  think 
of  it ;  I,  Avho  have  heen  so  deep  in  the  guilt  of  rebel- 
lion, I  can't  think  of  supplanting  the  brave  and  faithful 
commander  who  saved  your  throne  and  kingdom." 
That  would  have  been  acting  like  a  man.  I'm  sorry 
for  you,  Amasa,  I'm  truly  sorry  that  you  have  degraded 
yourself  by  showing  such  a  total  want  of  a  generous 
and  honorable  spirit.' 

'•'  Amasa  looked  abashed,  confused,  mortified,  and 
after  one  or  two  unsuccessful  attempts  to  frame  a  reply, 
remained  silent,  with  eyes  fixed  on  the  ground. 

"  '  One  thing  more,  Amasa,'  continued  the  seemingly 
inexhaustible  Deborah  ;  '  one  thing  more.  You  said 
you  wanted  soldiers  to  pursue  after  Sheba,  the  son  of 
Bichri.     And  who  is  Sheba,  the  son  of  Bichri  ? ' 

"  Amasa  was  silent. 

"  'Ah,  you  need  not  try  to  disguise  or  deny  it,  for 
the  whole  country  knows  it.  This  Sheba,  the  son  of 
Bichri,  was  one  of  the  officers  in  Absalom's  army, 
under  you,  Amasa,  one  of  your  fellovv^-soldiers.  Yes, 
he  was  flourishing  and  flaunting  by  your  side,  as  you 
went  through  Bahurim,  a  few  days  ago,  in  pursuit  of 
David,  with  a  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  men  at  your 
heels,  shouting,  "  Down  with  old  David  !  Hurrah  for 
the  revolution  !  Hurrah  for  Absalom  !  " 

"  '  And  now,'  said  Deborah,  with  another  eloquent 
shake  of  her  long  finger,  at  Amasa,  '  you  want  mothers 
to  send  their  sons  and  grandsons  with  you  after  your 
fellow-officer,  that  was  cheek  by  jole  with  you  in  Absa- 
lom's rebellion.     Away  with  you  !    away  with  you ! 


SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION.        387 

I'm  ashamed  to  look  upon  such  a  thing  in  the  shape  of 
a  man.'  And  turning  suddenly,  she  entered  the  house, 
and  closed  the  door  with  a  violence  that  started  Amasa 
as  from  a  dream,  while  it  brought  the  welcome  con- 
sciousness that  he  was  now  delivered  from  those  irk- 
some visitations,  that  so  strongly  illustrated  the  perfect 
discipline  and  training  of  her  tongue." 

Here  one  of  the  assembly  inquired,  "  How  did 
Amasa  succeed  in  his  new  station  ?  "' 

''  But  inditferently,"  said  Belial :  "  old  Deborah's  state- 
ment of  public  opinion  was  correct.  Many,  indeed  the 
vast  majority  of  the  people,  were  reluctant  to  follow 
him.  Some  alleged  that  his  total  defeat,  when  acting 
as  Absalom's  commander,  was  evidence  of  incompe- 
tency ;  and  others  thought  that  his  willingness  to  sup- 
plant Joab  was  a  proof  of  a  low  and  dishonorable  spirit. 
These  and  other  difficulties  created  so  much  tardiness 
in  Amasa's  movements,  that  David  became  alarmed 
lest  Sheba,  the  son  of  Bichri,  should  be  able  to  mature 
and  strengthen  his  plans  of  insurrection.  David,  there- 
fore, despatched  Abishai,  with  such  troops  as  were  at 
hand  in  Jerusalem,  to  pursue  the  rebels.  When  they 
had  gone  as  far  as  Gibeon,  Amasa  appeared  and  claimed 
the  command. 

"  Joab  had  borne  in  silence  the  frowns  of  the  king ; 
for  though  he  considered  David's  anger  unreasonable, 
yet  he  made  great  allowance  for  the  bereaved  father 
while  agonizing  under  the  loss  of  his  son.  As  to  his 
office,  he  considered  it  belonged  to  him  by  purchase. 
It  was  not  the  king's  gift.  It  had  been  offered  as  the 
stipulated  reward  of  the  conqueror  of  the  Jebnsites,  at 
Jerusalem.     He  had  rendered  the  service,  and  claimed 


388  SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION. 

the  office  as  his  right.  Yet  from  his  uncle,  the  king, 
he  would  submit  to  any  thing.  So  he  made  no  com- 
plaint. But  when  he  saw  Amasa,  the  late  leader  of  the 
rebel  host,  come  up  at  the  great  stone  in  Gibeon,  and 
claim  the  command  of  the  Cherethites  and  Pelethites, 
and  attempt  to  push  himself  into  the  most  conspicuous 
station  in  David's  army,  his  indignation  was  roused. 
He  smote  Amasa  with  the  sword,  a  single  blow.  It  was 
decisive.  Amasa  died  —  and  Joab  at  once  resumed  the 
command.  He  then  pursued  after  Sheba,  the  son  of 
Bichri." 

"  And  did  the  insurgents  give  him  battle  ?  "  asked 
one  of  the  audience. 

"  Not  exactly,"  said  Belial :  "  many  of  the  followers 
of  Sheba  as  soon  as  it  was  known  tliat  Joab  was  in  pur- 
suit, deserted,  and  made  the  best  of  their  way  home. 
Sheba  himself,  however,  was  resolute  and  determined, 
and  went  through  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  exciting  them 
to  rebellion.  At  length,  he  made  a  stand  at  the  city  of 
Abel,  in  the  extreme  north  part  of  the  kingdom.  Joab 
overtook  him  there,  and  concluding  that  the  city  which 
had  received  Sheba  had  joined  with  him  in  the  rebel- 
lion, he  began  to  make  preparations  to  batter  down  the 
wall.  The  men  of  the  city  were  terrified,  and  sought 
concealment  behind  their  ramparts ;  and  even  Sheba 
and  the  troops  which  he  led,  showed  no  disposition  to 
meet  the  besiegers  in  battle.  The  engines  of  war  had 
already  begun  to  play,  and  the  wall  to  totter,  when  the 
venerable  form  of  an  aged  woman  appeared,  standing 
erect  and  undaunted  on  the  trembling  wall. 

"  '  Hear  !  hear  ! '  she  cried,  in  a  voice  that  betokened 
courage  mingled  with  care  for  the  public  good  :  '  where 
is  Joab  ? ' 


SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION.        3S9 


U  i 


At  the  head  of  the  army,'  was  the  reply. 

"  '  Tell  him  to  come  near  liither,  that  I  may  speak 
to  him.' 

"  When  the  commander  appeared, 

"  '  Art  thou  Joab  ? '  said  the  woman. 

"  '  I  am  he,'  was  the  answer. 

" '  What  is  the  meaning  of  all  this  ? '  said  the  woman. 
'I  thought  you  were  the  friend  and  defender  of  Israel. 
This  is  a  peaceable  city,  and  a  peacemaker  among  the 
surrounding  towns  and  villages.  When  disputes  arise 
among  the  people,  they  come  and  ask  counsel  at  Abel. 
Our  arbitrations  and  advice  end  and  settle  matters  of 
strife  through  all  the  region  round.  I  am  among  the 
peaceable  and  faithful  in  Israel.  Thou  'seekest  to 
destroy  a  city  and  a  mother  in  Israel.  Why  wilt  thou 
swallow  up  the  inheritance  of  the  Lord  ?  ' 

"  Joab  answered,  '  Far  be  it,  far  be  it  from  me,  that  I 
should  swallow  up  or  destroy.  The  matter  is  not  so  ; 
but  a  man  has  found  shelter  here,  Sheba,  the  son  of 
Bichri,  by  name,  who  has  lifted  up  his  hand  against 
the  king,  even  against  David.  Deliver  him  only,  and 
I  will  depart  from  the  city.' 

"  '  Behold,'  said  the  woman,  '  his  head  shall  be  thrown 
to  you  over  the  wall.' 

"  '  That  will  do,'  said  Joab. 

"  Then  the  woman  went  unto  all  the  people  in  her 
wisdom,  and  they  cut  off  the  head  of  Sheba,  the  son 
of  Bichri,  and  cast  it  over  the  wall  to  Joab,  and  he 
blew  a  trumpet,  and  they  retired  from  the  city,  and 
Joab  returned  to  the  king  at  Jerusalem.  And  such  was 
the  power  of  pul)lic  sentiment  in  the  army,  and  indeed 
throughout   all    the   country,    that    the    king    quietly 

33* 


390  SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION. 

acquiesced,  and  Joab  remained  commander-in-chief  of 
the  army  during  the  life  of  David. 

"Near  the  close  of  David's  reign,"  said  Belial,  "an 
occurrence  took  place  that  strongly  illustrates  the  sound 
judgment,  the  enlightened  patriotism,  and  fidelity  to 
the  king,  that  so  eminently  distinguished  this  great 
commander.  I  had  tempted  David  with  motives  of 
ambition,  and  new  plans  of  conquest,  to  say  to  his 
captains,  '  Go  now  through  all  the  tribes  of  Israel, 
from  Dan  even  to  Beersheba,  and  number  ye  the  people, 
that  I  may  know  the  number  of  the  people.'  Joab 
saw  that  the  king  was  in  an  error,  and  that  wrath 
might  be  brought  upon  Israel.  He,  therefore,  in  the 
most  earnest  and  eloquent  style,  remonstrated  with  the 
king —  '  Now  the  Lord  thy  God  add  unto  thee  people, 
how  many  soever  there  be,  a  hundred-fold,  and  that 
the  eyes  of  my  lord  the  king  may  see  it.  But  why 
doth  my  lord  the  king  delight  in  this  thing  ?  Why 
will  he  be  a  cause  of  trespass  to  Israel  ? '  (2  Sam. 
xxiv.  1 — 4.) 

"  This  affectionate  and  earnest  remonstrance,  how- 
ever, was  unavailing.  The  king  persisted,  and  the 
people  were  numbered.  But  soon  afterwards  the  king 
saw  his  error ;  a  dreadful  plague  scourged  the  land, 
and  the  king  deeply  lamented  that  he  had  not  heark- 
ened to  the  counsel  of  his  sister's  son."  (1  Chron.  xxi.) 

A  prince  of  the  assembly  now  arose  and  spoke.  "  I 
was  anxious  to  inquire,"  said  he,  "  what  became  of 
Abishai." 

"  Abishai,"  answered  Belial,  "  continued  to  sustain 
his  great  military  reputation  to  a  good  old  age.  Indeed, 
I  may  say,  one  of  the  most  notable  exploits  in  his  long 


SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION.  391 

and  brilliant  career,  was  performed  about  four  years 
after  the  period  of  Absalom's  rebellion." 

At  mention  of  this,  there  was  a  rousing  up  in  the 
assembly"  of  rebel  angels,  giving  proof  of  awakened 
attention  and  interest.  "  Biehearse  it,  rehearse  it,"  was 
repeated  by  a  number  of  voices. 

"  The  Philistines,"  said  Belial,  "  had  declared  another 
war  against  Israel.  David  determined  to  lead  his  ar- 
mies in  this  campaign  in  person. 

"  The  Philistine  host  was  headed  by  the  giant  Ishbi- 
benob.  He  was  the  son  of  Goliath  of  Gath,  whom 
David  had  slain.  Ishbi-benob  was  famous  as  a  warrior. 
He  had  led  the  attack  on  Saul  at  Mount  Gilboa.  He 
had  often  boasted  of  his  success  at  Gilboa,  when  Saul 
was  slain ;  and  learning  now  that  David  commanded 
his  army  in  person,  he  resolved  to  avenge  the  death  of 
his  father,  and  secure  new  laurels  for  himself  by  the 
slaughter  of  the  king.  He  arrayed  himself  in  a  new 
suit  of  superior  armor.  It  was  considered  absolutely 
impenetrable,  and  the  plates  of  brass  and  steel,  of  which 
it  was  composed,  were  burnished  and  bright,  and 
flashed  back  the  rays  of  the  sun,  and  made  his  appear- 
ance terrible.  The  head  of  the  spear  which  he  bran- 
dished weighed  three  hundred  shekels  of  brass. 

"  David  was  conspicuous  by  the  ensign  of  the  tribe 
of  Judah,- which  he  always  had  by  him  in  the  martial 
field.  The  battle  had  been  in  progress  for  some  time, 
and  was  most  obstinately  contested.  David,  overcome 
with  the  exertions  of  the  day,  was  now  exhausted  and 
faint.  He  had  fallen  back  somewhat  from  the  leader 
of  the  life-guards,  and  was  incapable  of  either  flight  or 
resistance. 


302  SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTOIIATIOX. 

"  Ishbi-benob  now  reared  his  gigantic  form  in  the 
front  rank  of  the  Phihstine  army,  and  stood  like  a  blaz- 
ing pillar  of  fire,  till  he  had  marked  definitely  the  place 
where  David  was.  Then,  confident  in  his  armor  of 
proof,  he  rushed  through  the  ranks  of  war,  right  upon 
the  k'ng.  The  life-guards  gave  back  as  the  huge  giant 
came  on.  He  now  raised  his  tremendous  spear,  poised 
it  deliberately,  aiming  at  the  king  a  blow  that  must 
have  proved  fatal. 

"  Ahimaaz  saw  the  danger,  and  called  aloud,  '  Abishai, 
save  King  David.' 

"  The  son  of  Zeruiah  sprung  like  a  roused  lion  past 
three  files  of  retreating  soldiers,  and  wielded  his  keen 
sword  twice,  with  the  speed  of  the  lightning's  wing. 
First,  the  enormous  head  of  the  spear,  severed  from 
the  long  wooden  shaft,  dropped  harmless  to  the  earth. 
Next,  the  head  of  Ishbi-benob  flew  off",  and  rolled  to  a 
distance,  at  the  feet  of  the  firmed  men.  The  body  of 
the  giant  remained  for  a  moment  standing,  still  aiming 
the  pointless  weapon,  then  pitched  forward  prostrate, 
flooding  the  earth  and  staining  all  his  armor  with  the 
gushing  tide  of  blood. 

"  'Abishai  forever! '  shouted  the  life-guards,  with  an 
enthusiasm  that  rent  the  air.  The  shout  was  caught 
up  and  pealed  again  and  again,  by  the  extended  ranks 
of  the  army.  The  Philistines,  astounded  at  the  anni- 
hilation of  their  champion,  fled  in  wild  confusion, 
while  the  men  of  Israel  and  Judah  pursued  them  up  to 
the  gates  of  Gath." 

One  of  the  audience  now  arose,  in  whose  visage  was 
a  large  development  of  curiosity.  '^  I  would  ask,"  said 
he,  "  what  is  the  conclusion  of  the  history  of  the  Danite 
captam  ? " 


SCENES    AFTER    THE    UESTORATION.  393 

"Our  story,''  said  Belial,  "left  the  captain  at  Maha- 
naim,  in  the  house  of  Merari  the  Levite,  disabled  by  a 
wound.  The  mortal  career  of  Slieba,  the  son  of  Bichri, 
and  Amasa  too,  had  been  brought  to  a  close,  and  peace 
and  public  tranquillity  had  now  established  their  reign 
through  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  land,  for  several 
weeks,  when,  at  the  close  of  a  beautiful  day,  Phinehas 
the  Levite,  with  his  wife  and  two  little  sons,  had  been 
taking  a  pleasant  evening  walk.  The  weather  was  so 
fine,  and  the  summer  scenery  so  lovely,  that  they  had 
extended  their  walk  considerably  beyond  the  limits  of 
Bahurim,  on  the  Jordan  road.  They  had  paused,  and 
were  in  the  act  of  turning  towards  home,  when  a  soli- 
tary traveller  was  seen  coming  from  towards  the  land 
of  Gilead.  In  those  plain  and  primitive  times,  men 
of  wealth  and  worth  often  travelled  on  foot.  The 
daylight  was  fading,  and  the  traveller,  though  not  dis- 
tant, was  but  indistinctly  seen. 

"  '  Has  not  that  man  a  slight  halt  in  his  gait  ? '  said 
the  woman  to  her  husband. 

"  '  I  did  not  observe  it,'  said  Phinehas, 

"'Yes,  he  has,'  said  little  Joseph.  'I  see  plainly 
that  he  walks  lame.' 

"  'Why,'  said  Phinehas,  looking  earnestly  for  a  mo- 
ment, '  it  is  our  old  friend.  Captain  Ben  Huppim.'  And 
the  whole  party  rushed  to  meet  him. 

"  '  Why,  captain,  the  blessings  of  the  evening  upon 
you.     How  do  you  do  ? ' 

ic  i  Very  much  recovered  since  I  saw  you,  and  I  am 
now  trying  to  get  home  ;  important  business  has 
brought  me  this  way.' 

'"Well,  you  must  come  and  spend  the  night  with 


394        SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION. 

US,'  said  Phinelias,  '  and  should  it  suit  "your  conveni- 
ence, we  should  be  delighted  to  have  you  remain  with 
us  a  number  of  days.' 

"  '  I  shall  be  liappy  to  accept  your  invitation  for  the 
night,'  said  the  captain  ;  '  but  I  have  been  long  from 
home,  and  sad  changes  have  passed  over  me,  and  over 
many  of  my  friends,  in  the  time,  and  I  am  anxious  to 
get  back  as  soon  as  practicable.' 

"'No  doubt,  no  doubt,'  answered  Phinehas  ;  'but 
you  know  the  good  old  maxim,  "  One  thing  at  a  time." 
You  shall  rest  with  us  to-night,  and  the  other  proposi- 
tion we  will  discuss  more  at  our  leisure.' 

"  The  company  went  on  till  they  entered  the  house 
of  Phinehas,  where  a  plentiful  supper  was  soon  served 
up,  and  they  partook  of  their  evening  meal,  intermin- 
gled with  familiar  and  cheerful  conversation. 

" '  Do  you  find  travelling  fatigues  you  much,  cap- 
tain ? '  said  Phinehas,  when  supper  was  concluded. 

" '  I  have  to  proceed  cautiously  and  slowly,  as  my 
strength  is  not  yet  entirely  restored.' 

"  '  You  had  better  remain  with  us  a  few  days ;  it  will 
recruit  your  strength,  and  we  shall  be  very  glad  of  the 
opportunity  of  further  acquaintance.' 

" '  The  heat  of  the  weather  had  made  me  prefer  the 
early  hours  of  morning  for  travelling.  However,'  said 
he,  with  the  good-humored  smile  of  an  old  soldier,  and 
a  glance  at  the  mother,  '  I  learn  that  you  have  one  very 
cool  apartment  about  your  establishment,  where  the 
good  wife  sometimes  shelters  her  visitors.' 

<"  Ah,  when  the  heat  without  is  too  vehement,'  said 
Phinehas,  smiling.  '  I  see,  captain,  you  cannot  forget 
your  first  visit  to  our  poor  house.' 


SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION.  395 

"  '  I  think  you,  too,  will  have  cause  to  remember  it,' 
rejoined  the  captain.  '  I  see,'  said  he,  pointing  to  the 
scaled  and  scarred  places  on  the  furniture,  which  had 
been  overturned  in  the  hasty  search  for  Ahimaaz  and 
Jonathan,  — '  I  see  that  my  rough  Danites  have  left 
specimens  of  their  handwriting  with  you.  They  have 
made  their  "forget  me  not  "  a  little  more  conspicuous 
than  I  could  wish.' 

"  *  Not  at  all,  not  at  all,'  said  Phinehas  :  '  we  shall  pre- 
serve and  exhibit  these  memorials  with  all  the  pleasure 
and  pride  with  which  an  old  soldier  displays  the  wounds 
and  scars  he  has  received  in  the  battles  of  his  country.' 

"'  And  this  furniture,'  said  the  wife,  '  with  all  these 
marks  upon  it,  I  intend  shall  be  handed  down  to  our 
children  and  our  children's  children.  They  will 
relate  the  story  in  years  to  come.' 

" '  Captain,'  said  Phinehas,  '  to  be  frank  with  you,  I 
tell  yon  we  value  your  acquaintance  very  highly,  not- 
withstanding the  singular  and  somewhat  unceremoni- 
ous manner  of  your  first  introduction.  And  I  shall 
insist  on  your  being  our  guest,  until  you  are  recruited 
and  in  better  condition  for  travelling.' 

"  '  I  think,'  said  the  captain,  in  the  same  humorous 
vein,  '  that  it  would  be  a  little  ungenerous  for  me  to 
be  long  a  consumer  of  bread  in  your  house,  consider- 
ing the  waste  of  good  provisions  which  my  first  visit 
occasioned.' 

"  '  Poh !  poh  ! '  said  Phinehas ;  '  the  meal !  I  tell  you, 
captain,  there  never  was  a  grist  of  meal  better  appropri- 
ated in  Israel,  since  the  day  that  good  old  father  Jacob 
packed  his  corn  from  Egypt.  Why,  that  meal  was 
instrumental  in  restoring  peace  and  plenty  of  bread  to 


396  SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION. 

the   many    ten    thousands    between   Dan   and    Beer- 
sheba.' 

"  '  You  speak  of  the  story  gomg  down  to  succeeding 
ages,'  said  Ben  Huppim.  '  That  is  not  the  worst  of 
it.  It  has  spread  abroad,  and  will  spread  abroad  tre- 
mendously in  the  present  age.  It  has  gone  ahead  of 
me,  no  doubt,  to  the  land  of  Dan.  The  whole  country 
is  full  of  it  by  this  time.  I  shall  never  hear  the  last  of 
it.  But  I  am  resolved  what  to  do.  I  shall  act  in  self- 
defence.  I'll  tell  the  story  myself.  Yes,  and  tell  it 
better  than  Madam  Fame  can  tell  it,  with  all  her  hun- 
dred tongues.' 

"  Thus  pleasantly  passed  the  evening  away.  The 
captain  very  cordially  accepted  the  kind  invitation  of 
Phinehas,  and  remained  with  the  family  a  number  of 
days,  to  the  great  delight  of  all,  not  forgetting  the  little 
boys,  who  became  familiar  with  him,  and  questioned 
him  late  and  early  concerning  battles,  and  bear-hunts, 
and  lion-fights,  and  strange  adventures  in  which  he  had 
beeh  engaged. 

"  At  length,  he  took  an  affectionate  leave  of  the  hos- 
pitable family,  and  proceeded  to  his  own  home.  His 
anticipations  were  found  fully  t^erified.  The  whole 
story  of  the  surrounding  and  search  of  the  building  at 
Enroffel,  the  chase  of  Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz  over  the 
Mount  of  Olives,  and  the  scenes  and  doings  at  Bahu- 
rim,  with  divers  additions,  amendments,  enlargements, 
and  various  readings,  were  spread  through  all  the  coun- 
try. Envy  and  jealousy,  however,  were  greatly  disap- 
pointed in  their  hopes  of  some  stain  or  diminution  of 
the  lustre  of  the  captain's  military  fame.  As  soon  as 
he   reached  home,  it  was  admitted,  on  all  hands,  that 


SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION.        397 

the  very  best  version  of  the  whole  story  was  that  which 
the  captain  told  himself,  to  admii'ing  circles  of  delighted 
auditors. 

"  He  lived,  honored,  useful,  and  happy,  to  a  good  old 
age.  And  even  when  gray-headed  and  far  advanced 
in  life,  at  social  assemblies  of  the  people  of  the  land,  it 
was  a  favorite  entertainment  with  the  younger  persons, 
to  form  a  cheerful  circle  around  the  old  captain,  and 
prevail  on  him  to  relate  the  story  of  his  pursuit  of  Ahim- 
aaz  and  Jonathan,  and  his  rough  and  unceremonious 
introduction  at  Bahurim,  and  the  cordial  and  lasting 
friendships  afterwards  formed  with  the  kind  and  worthy 
family  of  Phinchas  the  Levite. 

"Belial,"  said  another  of  the  audience,  "what  be- 
came of  Ahimaaz  and  Tamar  ?  " 

"  Not  long  after  David's  restoration,"  answered  Belial, 
"  the  marriage  of  Ahimaaz  and  Tamar  was  celebrated, 
in  Jerusalem,  with  circumstances  of  unusual  joy.  The 
number  of  invited  guests  was  very  great.  Many  of 
the  heads  of  the  tribes  were  there,  and  the  large  circle 
of  friends  connected  with  the  house  of  Zadok  and  the 
house  of  Abiathar.  But  among  all  the  guests,  none 
entered  with  greater  zest  into  the  lively  festivities  of 
the  occasion,  than  their  old  friend,  Hushai  the  Archite. 

"  Hushai's  colloquial  powers  were  extraordinary,  and 
his  sociability  inexhaustible.  And  for  these  reasons, 
connected  with  his  great  moral  worth,  he  had  long 
been  King  David's  chosen  companion  and  friend.  To 
the  unlimited  entertainment  of  the  company  now  con- 
vened, Hushai  told  his  finest  anecdotes  in  his  finest 
style.  At  length,  a  general  wish  was  expressed  that 
he  would  repeat  the    particulars  of  Tamar's  famous 

34 


398        SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION. 

adventure  to  Enrogel.  This  chimed  in  with  the  humor 
of  the  old  lawyer  to  a  jot  and  tittle.  The  eager  audi- 
tors thronged  around  him,  while  he  depicted,  first,  the 
perplexity  and  despair  of  Zadok,  Abiathar,  and  him- 
self, when  it  was  ascertained  that  the  gates  of  Jerusa- 
lem were  guarded  by  Absalom's  friends,  and  that  to  be 
detected  in  any  attempt  to  favor  David,  would  be  in- 
evitable death.  He  then  described  the  calm  courage, 
and  sublime  heroism,  with  which  the  tender,  delicate 
girl  entered  the  room,  and  volunteered  to  become  their 
messenger,  — told  of  the  palpitating  anxiety  with  which 
they  watched  her  progress  down  the  street,  and  her 
successful  attempt  to  pass  the  guard  at  the  gate  ;  and 
then  the  long  hours  of  painful  uncertainty,  until  they 
heard  of  the  report  of  the  Danite  pursuers  that  Jona- 
than and  Ahimaaz  had  escaped.  He  next  rehearsed 
the  distress  of  the  family,  and  particularly  the  mother, 
when  the  night  began  to  grow  late,  and  Tamar  did  not 
return,  —  the  careful  search  made  next  morning  around 
the  walls  of  Jerusalem,  and  as  far  as  the  town  of  Bahu- 
rim,  and  yet  no  tidings  of  their  dauntless  heroine  could 
be  learned.  Anxiety  and  troubled  apprehensions  in 
the  family  circle  rose  higher  and  higher,  from  day  to 
day,  until,  on  the  downfall  of  Absalom,  Tamar  was  re- 
conducted, in  honor  and  safety,  to  her  father's  house, 
by  Phinehas  the  Levite. 

"  As  the  thrilling  narrative  of  Hushai,  in  his  pecu- 
liarly happy  manner,  brought  up  these  various  inci- 
dents, there  appeared  in  the  circle  of  listeners,  now,  a 
breathless  attention  ;  now,  a  pleasing  smile  that  man- 
tled every  visage  ;  and  now,  the  big  tear,  that  stood  and 
trembled  in  every  eye.     He   seemed  to   command  the 


SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION.  399 

passions  of  his  liearers,  as  the  skilful  player  manages 
the  strings  of  a  well-tuned  instrument. 

''  I  would  only  remark  further,"'  continued  Belial, 
"  that  Hushai  concluded  his  narrative  with  one  of  those 
playful  turns  that  often  varied  his  discourses.  '  I  have 
heard,'  said  he,  '  of  a  wheel  within  a  wheel ;  and  the 
events  of  this  evening,'  glancing  his  eye  towards  the 
bride,  '  have  led  me  to  conclude  that  my  little  messen- 
ger to  Enrogel  may  have  had  another  motive  for  the 
hazardous  undertaking,  beyond  her  anxiety  to  save  the 
life  of  her  brother  Jonathan,  and  even  the  life  and 
kingdom  of  David.' 

"  Ahimaaz  and  Tamar  lived  long  and  happily 
together,  and  long  was  their  family  blessed  and  hon- 
ored in  Israel." 

Here  Lucifer  erected  his  stately  form,  and  turned  to 
the  speaker.  "  I  also  would  ask  a  question  or  two 
further  respecting  the  history  you  have  sketched.  My 
first  question  is  this  :  — 

"  AVhy  have  commentators  on  the  Bible  generally 
represented  the  character  of  Joab  so  differently  from 
the  view  that  you  have  now  given  ?  You  know  they 
are  mostly  severe  and  harsli  in  their  censures  of  that 
great  commander." 

"  An  excellent  question,"  said  Belial,  "  and  one  easily 
answered.  Commentators  on  the  Bible  have  generally 
been  men  who  had  little  sympathy  with  military  life. 
Joab  was  eminently  a  military  man.  To  this  he  was 
devoted  from  early  youtli.  To  this  he  considered  him- 
self called,  in  the  providence  of  (jiod.  To  do  him 
justice,  he  nmst  be  weighed  in  military  scales.  This 
is  essential  to  a  proper  understanding  of  his  character. 


400  SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION. 

Had  it  not  been  for  the  prejudice  the  world  has  enter- 
tained against  the  Bible,  or  had  this  man's  history 
been  detailed  in  any  other  book,  he  would  have  ranked 
among  the  very  foremost  military  leaders  that  have 
appeared  in  any  age  or  nation.  Iq  fact,  the  Macedo- 
nian phalanx  of  Alexander,  the  Roman  legion  of 
Julius  Caesar,  or  the  far-famed  Legion  of  Honor  of 
Napoleon,  never  surpassed,  if  indeed  they  equalled, 
the  Cherethites,  and  Pelethites,  and  life-guards,  when 
headed  by  this  great  captain  of  Israel.  A  correct  esti- 
mate of  the  character  of  Joab  is  only  obtained  by 
taking  into  view  the  circumstances  of  the  age  in  which 
he  lived,  and  the  military  life  to  which  he  considered 
himself  called,  in  divine  providence, 

"  Again,  the  expression  applied  to  David,  in  the  first 
book  of  Samuel,  that  the  Lord  had  sought  a  man  after 
his  own  heart,  seems  to  have  led  some  commentators 
to  suppose,  that  not  only  the  main  tenor  of  his  life,  but 
that  all  the  acts  of  David  were  to  be  justified.  Hence 
some  writers  have  labored  much  to  excuse  or  varnish 
over  the  conduct  of  David  in  relation  to  Uriah.  This 
is  plainly  a  mistake.  Yet,  influenced  by  this,  many 
have  thought  that  when  David  difi"ered  with  Joab,  the 
commander,  not  the  king,  was  always  in  the  wrong. 
One  commentator  censures  Joab  for  so  readily  giving 
battle  to  Abner,  at  the  pool  of  Gibeon ;  though  it  is 
evident  that  all  his  firmness  and  valor  were  necessary, 
on  that  occasion,  to  sustain  the  throne  of  David. 
Another  attempts  to  blame  him  for  obeying  the  posi- 
tive orders  of  David,  in  reference  to  Uriah,  though 
Joab  was  evidently  unacquainted  with  the  motives  of 
the  king,  and  knew  not  but  he  had  good  reasons  for 


SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION.  401 

the  orders  he  had  sent.  Moreover,  as  a  soldier,  he  felt 
bound  to  obey  the  orders  of  his  superior,  without 
inquiring  into  all  the  reasons  on  which  those  orders 
were  founded.  The  only  instance  on  record  where  he 
disobeyed  the  orders  of  David,  is  in  the  case  of  Absa- 
lom ;  and  there  he  considered  the  judgment  of  the  king 
deluded  by  the  affection  of  the  father,  and  that  the 
death  of  Absalom  was  essential  to  the  safety  of  the 
throne  and  kingdom ;  and  public  opinion  in  Israel  and 
Judah  confirmed  the  correctness  of  his  opinion,  and 
applauded  the  patriotism  of  his  act." 

"  But  what  do  you  say  of  the  death  of  Abner  ? " 
inquired  Lucifer. 

"  The  spirit  and  circumstances  of  the  age,"  said 
Belial,  "  must  be  considered,  in  order  to  understand  the 
case  correctly.  Abner  had  slain  Asahel,  the  brother  of 
Joab,  in  his  retreat  from  the  battle  of  Gibeon.  The 
writer  of  the  Second  Book  of  Samuel  declares,  '  So  Joab 
and  Abishai,  his  brother,  slew  Abner,  because  he  had 
slain  their  brother,  Asahel.'  Abishai  is  mentioned  as 
consenting  and  approving,  though  Joab,  alone,  did  the 
deed.  The  ideas  prevalent  in  Israel,  at  that  time,  con- 
cerning the  duty  of  avenging  a  brother's  blood,  may 
be  understood  by  turning  to  their  law,  providing  cities 
of  refuge  for  tlie  manslayer.     (Dent.  xix.  4 — 6.) 

"  '  And  this  is  the  case  of  the  slayer  which  shall  flee 
thither,  that  he  may  live.  Whoso  killeth  his  neighbor 
ignoraiitly,  whom  he  hated  not  in  time  past;  as  when 
a  man  goetli  into  the  wood  with  his  neighbor  to  hew 
wood,  and  his  hand  fetcheth  a  stroke  with  the  axe  to 
cut  down  the  tree,  and  the  head  slippeth  from  the 
helve,  and  lightetli  upon  his  neighbor,  that  he  die  ;  he 
34* 


402        SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION. 

shall  flee  unto  one  of  those  cities,  and  live :  lest  the 
avenger  of  blood  pursue  the  slayer,  while  his  heart  is 
hot,  and  overtake  him,  because  the  way  is  long,  and 
slay  him.' 

"  Now,  such  being  the  state  of  the  public  mind  in 
Israel,  respecting  the  avenging  of  a  brother's  blood,  it 
is  difficult  for  those  who  live  in  a  very  different  state 
of  society,  to  decide  how  far  Joab  and  Abishai,  as  pub- 
lic men,  and  military  men,  might  feel  themselves  con- 
strained to  go,  in  order  to  maintain  their  standing  with 
the  communit}^     Abner  was  a  vile,  depraved  man." 

"One  question  more,"  said  Lucifer.  "  Why  does 
David  seem  often  harsh  towards  Joab,  and  at  last  order 
Solomon  to  have  him  put  to  death  ?  " 

"  It  is  no  uncommon  thing,"  said  Belial,  "  for  great 
and  successful  servants  of  kings  to  fall  under  their  dis- 
pleasure. Did  not  Columbus,  the  discoverer  of  a  new 
world,  die  in  prison,  because  the  splendor  of  his  success 
was  greater  than  the  king  he  served  could  bear  ?  This 
is  no  rare  occurrence  among  the  sons  of  men.  David 
was  but  a  man,  and  if  the  great  reputation  of  his  chief 
commander  rose  beyond  what  was  agreeable  to  the 
king,  need  we  be  astonished  at  it  ?  David  himself  had 
great  military  reputation  in  the  earlier  part  of  his  life ; 
and  if,  when  his  sister's  son,  by  brilliant  deeds,  was 
thought  by  many  to  have  eclipsed  those  of  the  king, 
need  we  wonder  if  he  failed  to  show  the  meekness  of 
Jonathan,  in  like  circumstances  ?  The  defeat  of  Abner 
at  the  pool  of  Gibeon  was  pronounced  a  most  consam- 
mate  military  exploit  in  that  age.  Abner  himself  was 
a  great  general.  He  had  a  host  of  veteran  wariiors. 
He  had  made  the  most  careful  and  thorough  prepai'a- 


SCENES    AFTER    THE    RESTORATION.  403 

tion.  Abner's  forces  were  by  far  the  most  numerous, 
and  the  battle  was  fought  m  the  open  plain  ;  and  yet, 
in  every  manoeuvre,  military  evolution,  and  stratagem 
of  war,  Abner  was  surpassed,  out-generalled,  over- 
matched ;  and  his  loss  in  the  engagement  over  that  of 
Joab  was  eighteen  to  one.  You  could  not  keep  the 
minds  of  men,  nor  the  tongues  of  men,  still,  in  that 
age,  more  than  in  this.  And  the  fame  of  Joab,  as  an 
unequalled  general,  was  blazed  abroad  over  the  whole 
land.  To  say  that  David  felt  this,  is  but  to  say  he 
was  a  man.  And  that  it  sometimes  appeared  in  his 
conduct,  is  no  way  strange.  Certain  it  is,  Joab  tried 
to  guard  against  this  feeling  of  rivalry  in  military 
fame,  on  the  part  of  the  king.  An  instance  of  this 
is  recorded  in  the  twelfth  chapter  of  second  Samuel. 

"  '  And  Joab  fought  against  Rabbah  of  the  children 
of  Ammon,  and  took  the  royal  city. 

"  '  And  Joab  sent  messengers  to  David,  and  said,  I 
have  fought  against  Rabbah,  and  have  taken  the  city 
of  waters. 

"  '  Now,  therefore,  gather  the  rest  of  the  people  to- 
gether, and  encamp  against  the  city,  and  take  it :  lest 
I  take  the  city,  and  it  be  called  after  my  name. 

"  '  And  David  gathered  all  the  people  together,  and 
went  to  Rabbah,  and  fought  against  it,  and  took  it.' 

"  But  it  is  time,"  said  Belial,  "  to  close  this  sketch 
of  the  character  of  Joab.  He  was  regarded,  in  the  age 
in  which  he  lived,  by  the  great  body  of  the  peojole,  as, 

"  1.  The  dutiful  son. 

"  2.  The  affectionate  brother. 

"  3.  The  man  of  chastity.  The -want  of  which  was 
the  disgrace  and  ruin  of  Abner.     (2  Sam.  iii.  6 — 10.) 


404        SCENES  AFTER  THE  RESTORATION. 

"  4.  The  man  of  truth  and  justice.  This  was  the 
basis  of  his  great  popularity  in  the  army  for  forty  years. 

'•'  5.   The  faithful  servant  of  his  king. 

"  6.   The  warm  and  wakeful  patriot.  (2  Sam.  xx.  20.) 

"  7.  One  generous  and  kind  to  those  in  distress. 
(2  Sam.  xiv.  1 — 3;  also  verses  28 — 33.) 

"  8.  Anxious  to  avoid  needless  bloodshed.  (2  Sam. 
ii.  28 ;  xviii.  16,  and  xx.  20—22.) 

"  9.  Wise  among  counsellors.  (2  Sam.  xxiv.  3. 
1  Chron.  xxi.  3.) 

"  10.  Pious  towards  God.     (2  Sam.  x.  12.) 

"  11.   Unrivalled  as  a  disciplinarian  ;   and, 

"  12.  Matchless  in  the  field  of  battle. 

"  But  the  king  never  could  forget  his  killing  of  Absa- 
lom. Such  was  Joab.  Long  will  the  soldier  honor  his 
memory.  Our  narrative  takes  leave  of  him  here,  with 
the  single  remark,  that  having  sustained  himself  in 
public  life  for  the  period  of  forty  years,  at  length,  old 
and  gray-headed,  he  laid  down  his  life,  where,  often  in 
the  prime  and  beauty  of  manhood,  he  had  worshipped, 
at  the  altar  of  his  God."* 

*  Many  Bible  readers  have  been  greatly  perplexed  to  account  for 
David's  order,  that  Joab  should  be  put  to  death.  Now,  observe,  the 
Bible  was  never  designed  to  sanction  despotism.  David's  government 
was  despotic.  There  was  no  trial  by  Jury,  when  the  kuig  was  oifended. 
"  Whom  he  woiildhe  slew,  and  whom  he  would  he  kept  alive."  Israel 
sinned  grievously  in  asking  a  king.  The  venerable  prophet  Samuel 
fore■^^•arned  them  of  the  sore  aggressions  which  a  king,  when  clothed 
with  supreme  power,  would  perpetrate  on  their  dearest  rights.  (1  Sam. 
viii.  9 — 18,  and  xii.  19.)  Now,  it  required  no  revelation  fi-om  heaven 
to  teach  men  that  despotic  power  in  the  hands  of  a  bad  7nan  is  dread- 
ful. But  the  Bible  teaches  that  even  in  the  hands  of  a  good  man  it  is 
liable  to  horrible  abuse.  Had  the  case  of  Joab  come  before  an  impar- 
tial jury  of  his  countrymen,  the  verdict  would  have  been  essentially 
different. 


David's  true  greatness.  405 


CHAPTER    XXIX. 

DAVID'S     TRUE    GREATNESS. 

"  There  is  yet  another  question,"  said  Lucifer,  ''  I 
wish  to  have  solved.  You  have  mentioned  several  de- 
fects in  the  character  of  David,  as  a  man  and  as  a  prince. 
How  is  it  that  his  name  has  come  down  Avith  such 
great  reputation  in  the  church  till  the  present  day?  " 

"I  have  before  observed,"  said  Belial,  "that  the 
Bible  records  the  imperfections,  as  well  as  the  excel- 
lences, of  ancient  saints.  Some  have  thought  that  the 
design  is  to  show  that  the  salvation  there  revealed  is  a 
salvation  not  for  those  who  are  without  fault,  but  for 
sinners,  who  have  much  to  mourn  over,  but  who,  on 
repentance,  find  acceptance  through  the  merits  of  a  di- 
vine Redeemer.  As  to  David,  though  he  was  great  as 
a  man,  and  great  as  a  pious  prince,  yet  he  had  his  im- 
perfections. But  there  are  two  reasons,  —  and  they  are 
ample, —  for  the  great  reputation  of  David,  in  the  church, 
from  the  day  in  which  he  lived  until  the  present  time. 
First.  His  uniform  rejection  of  idolatry,  and  his  firm, 
unwavering  adherence  to  the  worship  of  the  true  God. 
Idolatry,  the  worship  of  false  gods,"  said  Belial,  ad- 
dressing himself  particularly  to  Lucifer,  "is  the  master 
device  of  hell !  " 

"  Yes !  "  exclaimed  the  chief,  with  kindling  anima- 


406  David's  tkue  greatness. 

tion,  "it  is  the  great  engine  of  destruction  to  Adam's 
race.  Egypt,  Nineveh,  Babylon.  Greece,  and  Rome 
we're  taken  in  this  snare.  It  is  the  most  successful 
device  we  have  ever  employed  to  turn  the  nations  into 
the  broad  road.  It  is  the  sheet  anchor  of  our  kingdom 
in  the  world.  At  this  hour,  millions  are  led  by  its  in- 
fluence in  the  way  of  perdition." 

"  Kings  and  potentates,"  said  Belial,  "  priests  and 
people,  almost  without  number,  have  fallen  before  the 
power  of  this  mighty  delusion.  But  King  David,  to 
the  utter  astonishment  of  the  hosts  of  hell,  was  reso- 
lute and  unbending  in  his  opposition  to  idolatry.  Nei- 
ther in  prosperity  nor  in  adversity,  neither  in  youth  nor 
in  advanced  age,  would  he  listen  to  its  allurements,  or 
have  any  communion  with  its  bewitching  observances. 
In  the  worship  of  the  true  God,  he  was  steadfast  and 
immovable  through  his  entire  earthly  history.  In  this 
light,  the  sacred  writers,  with  great  frequency,  hold 
him  up  as  a  pattern  to  the  kings  of  Israel  and  Judah. 
In  this  light,  he  is  very  often  commended  as  having 
'  followed  the  Lord  with  a  perfect  heart.' 

"  The  second  reason  for  the  high  and  lasting  reputa- 
tion of  David,  is  this :  as  a  sacred  poet,  he  stands  be- 
fore the  church  and  the  world,  in  all  the  grandeur  of 
unrivalled  superiority.  The  psalms,  hymns,  and  spirit- 
ual songs  which  he  composed  for  the  use  of  the  church, 
have  been  sung  in  every  language  where  the  Bible  has 
gone,  for  near  three  thousand  years.  Their  spread  and 
extent  is  greater  in  this  age  than  ever  before.  They 
now  bid  fair  to  become,  shortly,  the  principal  chaimel 
through  which  every  kindred  and  people  under  heaven 
will  offer  up  their  gratitude  and  praise  to  God.     It  is 


David's   true   greatness,  407 

one  of  the  most  dreadful  influences  with  which  the 
hosts  of  hell  have  to  contend. 

"  The  power  of  song  over  the  human  mind  is  great. 
This  is  found  in  the  experience  of  almost  every  nation. 
But  when  the  great  truths  of  religion  are  combined 
with  the  charms  of  poetry  and  the  enchantment  of 
music,  their  influence  is  almost  resistless. 

"  David,  as  a  sacred  poet,  has  never  yet  been  equalled. 
The  perfections  of  Jehovah  are  at  one  time  his  theme, 
—  the  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness  of  the  Lord,  as  they 
appear  in  the  wide  earth,  and  wider  heaven.  At 
another  time,  he  celebrates  the  wonderful  works  of 
God  in  behalf  of  his  church,  in  days  of  old.  At 
another  time,  he  expatiates  on  the  designs  of  mercy 
that  are  to  be  unfolded  in  ages  to  come  —  the  incar-" 
nation,  obedience,  death,  resurrection,  and  eternal  king- 
dom of  the  Messiah,  with  the  kindred  truths  embraced 
in  the  system  of  God's  revelation  to  man.  When  these 
psalms  and  sacred  hj^mns  first  came  abroad,  the  effect 
was  tremendous.  They  were  not  only  sung  in  the 
sanctuary,  and  in  the  large  worshipping  assemblies,  but 
they  were  sung  in  the  family,  and  committed  to  mem- 
ory by  individuals  all  over  the  land.  The  mother 
taught  them  to  her  children  around  the  fireside ;  and 
in  the  social  circle  they  were  often  the  medium  of 
friendly  intercourse.  Thus  the  great  truths  of  religion 
were  presented  in  a  form  that  took  a  mighty  hold  of 
the  attention,  and  made  powerful  appeals  to  the  con- 
science and  the  heart." 

Here  Belial  rose  to  his  feet,  while  uncommon  ani- 
mation shone  in  his  countenance.  He  swung  his  arm 
aloft,  and  in  an   elevated  voice  called  out,  "  Powers 


408 


PSALMS    AND    HYMNS. 


of  darkness,  if  you  would  successfully  war  against  the 
church  of  God,  guard  this  point  with  the  utmost  vigi- 
lance. Arm  yourselves  with  every  artifice  which  the 
magazines  of  the  bottomless  pit  can  furnish." 

"  Belial,"  said  Lucifer,  "  I  am  fully  aware  of  the  great 
importance  of  the  point  on  which  you  are  speaking.  I 
wish  the  armies  of  hell  to  be  most  thoroughly  drilled 
in  reference  to  it.  And  therefore,  I  particularly  desire 
you  to  relate  the  plans  and  schemes  you  employed  in 
the  age  of  David,  and  the  periods  immediately  fol- 
lowing." 

"  The  tide  was  too  strong,"  said  Belial,  "  to  be  met  by 
open  and  direct  resistance.  Long  before  the  close  of 
David's  life,  many  of  these  plain  and  powerful  psalms 
and  spiritual  songs  were  memorized  by  thousands 
throughout  Judah,  Ephraim,  Benjamin,  and  indeed  all 
the  tribes  of  Israel.  In  the  family,  they  were  the  means 
of  imparting  instruction;  in  the  sick  chamber,  they 
were  the  instrument  of  consolation  to  the  afflicted,  and 
often  those  who  were  about  to  die  would  express  their 
hopes  and  their  confidence  by  quoting  some  appropriate 
line  or  stanza  from  one  of  those  sacred  odes. 

"  The  poetical  powers  of  the  Psalmist  were  of  the 
very  highest  order.  The  darling  theme  on  which  he 
sung,  was  the  redeeming  love  of  God.  We  need  not 
wonder  if  such  truths,  with  such  accompaniments,  be- 
came the  fire  and  the  hammer  that  breaketh  the  rock 
in  pieces.  There  was  a  mighty  impulse  given  to  reli- 
gion in  Israel,  by  this  means ;  you  see  it  clearly  in  the 
recorded  history  of  that  people  in  the  reign  of  David 
and  of  Solomon.  Let  me  only  remark  further,  that 
when  the  queen  of  Sheba  came  to  Jerusalem,  she  was 


PSALMS    AND    HYMNS.  409 

overwhelmed  with  tlie  grandeur  of  those  songs  of 
praise  to  the  God  of  Israel,  composed  by  David  for  the 
use  of  the  church.  But,"  said  Belial,  addressing  Lu- 
cifer, "  your  majesty  has  asked  for  the  devices  I  em- 
ployed to  counteract  these  influences. 

"  Long  and  laboriously  did  I  investigate  and  revolve 
that  matter  in  my  mind,  before  any  eflectual  method  of 
counteracting  the  influence  of  these  sacred  songs  could 
be  found.  But  at  length  I  hit  on  the  plan  of  '  revising, 
improving,  and  modernizing,'  and  found,  that  if  it  could 
be  carried  out,  it  would  accomplish  all  I  desired." 

"Revising,  improving,  and  modernizing,"  said  Luci- 
fer;  "  tell  us  what  you  mean." 

"Your  majesty  is  well  aware,"  said  Belial,  "of  the 
havoc  and  destruction  that  has  been  perpetrated  amidst 
the  sacred  poetry  of  Watts,  Cowper,  Newton,  and  other 
standard  writers  in  the  Christian  church,  within  the 
last  generation." 

Lucifer  bowed  and  smiled  with  much  apparent  de- 
light. "  Success  to  it  !  "  said  he  ;  "it  has  rejoiced  me 
exceedingly.  Is  that  what  you  mean  by  'revising, 
improving,  and  modernizing  ?  "  I  hate  the  praising 
of  God  by  the  church.  It  is  that  service  in  which  the 
church  below  most  nearly  approaches  the  employment 
of  the  church  above.  It  peculiarly  honors  God.  Suc- 
cess to  every  attempt  that  will  mar  the  praises  of  the 
saints,  or  render  them  indilferent  to  the  commands  that 
enjoin  the  praising  of  God." 

"  I  heartily  sympathize  with  you,"  answered  Belial ; 
"  and  I  discovered  that  the  most  effectual  method  to 
ruin,  and,  indeed,  annihilate  the  sacred  poetry  used  by 
the  churcl)    in   offering  up   her  praise  to  God,  was  to 

35 


410  PSALMS    AND    HYMNS. 

instigate  a  class  of  incompetent  men,  who  were  not 
capable  of  seeing  the  beauty  of  the  original  composition, 
to  'revise,  improve,  and  modernize.'  This  class  of 
men  abound  in  every  age.  They  can  produce  nothing 
original  that  is  worth  publishing,  and  yet  they  have  a 
constant  itching  for  authorship.  Their  only  expedient, 
therefore,  is  to  pounce  on  the  writings  of  some  valuable 
author,  work  up  a  new  edition,  'revised,  improved,  and 
modernized,'  and  have  themselves  towed  into  public 
notice  by  the  power  of  the  author's  name,  whose  writ- 
ings they  have  crippled  and  cut  to  pieces." 

"  Admirable  !  admirable  !  "  exclaimed  Lucifer  ;  "  and 
now  tell  us  how  you  put  your  plan  in  execution." 

"My  first  care,"  said  Belial,  "  was  to  find  the  suita- 
ble person.  It  is  only  an  inferior  mind  that  will  em- 
bark in  such  an  undertaking.  A  first-rate  intellect  will 
not  spend  time  ni  such  employment.  It  was  not  long, 
however,  till  I  was  suited  exactly  in  the  person  of  Ben 
Adoni-bezek." 

"  Ben  Adoni-bezek  ?  "  said  Lucifer:  "  who  was  he  ?  " 

"  He  was  a  lineal  descendant  of  that  old  Canaanitish 
king,  mentioned  in  the  first  chapter  of  the  book  of 
Judges,  who  cut  oft'  the  thumbs  and  great  toes  of  the 
threescore  and  ten  kings,  who  gathered  their  meat 
under  his  table." 

"  A  most  suitable  person,  I  should  think,"  said  Lu- 
cifer, "  as  a  fondness  for  mutilation  ran  i!i  the  family." 

"  This  memorable  individual  came  before  the  public 
soon  after  the  death  of  David.  He  was  under  the  im- 
mediate direction  of  the  demon  of  '  Science,  falsely 
so  called.'  He  maintained,  that  the  age  in  which  he 
appeared  was  an  age  of  light,  improvement,  and  great 


PSALMS    AND    HYMNS.  411 

intellectual  elevation.  He  affirmed  that  the  writings 
of  the  fathers  were  obsolete,  old-fashioned,  and  behind 
the  spirit  of  the  times.  He  appeared  fully  conscious 
that  he  was  incapable  of  producing  any  thing  original 
that  was  worthy  of  public  notice  ;  but  he  made  great 
pretensions  to  capacity  for  improving  the  writings  of 
valuable  authors  who  were  dead.  He  could  modernize 
their  language,  strike  out  objectionable  passages,  and 
now  and  then  make  additions  from  his  own  brain, 
causing  them  to  speak  a  language  when  dead  which 
they  had  never  spoken  while  living." 

"Well,"  said  Lucifer,  "and  how  did  he  succeed?" 
"  I  suggested  to  him,"  said  Belial,  "  that  his  first 
innovations  should  be  made  with  caution,  and  the  mu- 
tilations be  but  few ;  one  word  in  a  line,  perhaps,  only 
chansed  :  affain  two  or  three  Avords  in  a  stanza.  But 
though  the  mutilations  at  first  appeared  small,  yet  I 
saw  that  the  effect  would  be  great,  as  it  would  create 
confusion  and  jar  when  several  persons  attempted  to 
sing  together,  and  thus  the  attention  would  be  dis- 
tracted, and  the  impression  of  truth  on  the  mind,  in  a 
great  measure,  prevented. 

"  If  I  found  that  the  public  would  bear  these  inno- 
vations and  corruptions  of  the  original  text,  I  designed 
then  to  urge  Ben  Adoni-bezek  to  become  more  bold 
and  daring,  and  to  strike  out  whole  lines  of  the  origi- 
nal, and  supply  their  place  with  vapid  and  stupid  con- 
ceits of  his  own.  Essential  doctrines  could  thus  be 
disguised,  or  thrown  out,  powerful  paragraphs  marred 
or  omitted,  and,  in  short,  such  mutilations  introduced, 
that  the  character  of  the  original  publications  would  be 
wholly  changed  and  their  value  destroyed. 

"  I  will  remark  further,  that  this  favorite  device  for 


412  PSALMS    AND    HYMNS. 

a  time  seemed  to  grow  upon  my  hands,  and  promise  to 
become  magniiicent.  I  saw  that  I  need  not  confine  it 
to  sacred  poetry,  bnt  that  it  could  be  extended  to  those 
who  had  written  in  prose.  I  thought  of  having  works 
issued  with  sucli  titles  as  the  following  :  '  The  Book  of 
Genesis,  a  new  edition,  greatly  improved  since  it  came 
from  the  hand  of  Moses ; '  '  The  Book  of  Exodus, 
improved  edition,  language  modernized,  and  adapted  to 
the  refined  taste  of  this  enlightened  age  ;  '  '  The  Book 
of  Joshua,  greatly  improved,  objectionable  passages 
struck  out,  and  valuable  additions,  by  a  modern  au- 
thor ; '  and,  to  crown  the  whole,  '  The  Psalms  of 
David,  revised,  embellished,  and  improved,  by  Ben 
Adoni-bezek,'  " 

Here  Lucifer  laughed  heartily,  and  seemed  to  have 
immense  delight  in  the  survey  of  this  device  of  hell, 
when  a  demon,  who  had  not  spoken  before,  rose  and 
remarked,  that  the  statements  just  made  reminded  him 
of  a  scene  he  had  witnessed  just  before  the  death  of 
the  apostle  John. 

"  Let  us  have  it,"  exclaimed  Lucifer  :  "  this  is  a  sub- 
ject  of  great  interest,  and  it  is  one  I  wish  all  the  powers 
of  darkness  to  understand  and  appreciate  fully." 

"  Well,"  said  the  demon,  "John,  the  beloved  disciple, 
had  just  returned  from  the  Isle  of  Patmos,  where  he 
had  written  the  book  of  Revelation.  John  was  now 
very  aged  and  infirm.  Pie  was  reclining  on  a  couch, 
and  from  his  emaciated  aspect,  and  the  paleness  that 
was  on  his  cheek,  it  was  evident  that  he  was  drawing 
nigh  to  the  end  of  his  earthly  pilgrimage.  Polycarp, 
one  of  his  disciples,  whom  he  greatly  esteemed,  came 
into  the  room.  John  handed  him  the  manuscript  of 
the  book  of  Revelation,  which  he  had  now  completed. 


PSALMS    AND    HYMNS. 


413 


Polycarp  looked  over  it,  wholly  absorbed,  for  a  long 
time,  and  then  observed,  '  A  prophetic  view  of  the 
church  until  the  end  of  time  !  A  book  of  great  value; 
but,  ah !  how  can  it  be  preserved  in  its  purity,  that  it 
may  be  a  blessing  to  succeeding  generations  ?  O,  these 
book-rats,  M'hat  a  pest  they  are !  ' 

'<'What  is  it  that  troubles  you,  Polycarp? '  asked 
John. 

"  '  Why,'  said  Polycarp,  '  I  see  that  this  is  a  book  of 
great  vahie  to  the  church,  and  I  was  grieved  to  think 
that  as  soon  as  you  are  dead,  it  will  be  assailed  by  that 
intolerable  class  of  mutilators,  called  book-rats,  who  will 
gnaw  and  nibble,  mar  and  masticate,  until  scarcely 
any  thing  of  value  will  be  left.' 

"  '  What  ! '  exclaimed  John,  rising  up  suddenly  ; 
'  do  you  think  they  will  alter  my  book  when  I  am 
dead  ? ' 

"  '  Alter  it ! '  said  Polycarp, '  certainly ;  and  the  greater 
its  value,  the  greater  the  number  of  those  hungry  mu- 
tilators who  will  be  eager  to  take  hold  of  it.' 

'•  The  visage  of  the  aged  apostle  now  kindled  up 
with  holy  indignation.  The  strength  of  his  emotion 
appeared  in  his  eye,  cheek,  and  brow,  as  he  stretched 
out  his  long,  emaciated  arm  and  hand  towards  Poly- 
carp. '  Reach  me  the  book.  Did  you  read  the  last 
paragraph  ? ' 

"  'No,'  answered  Polycarp  ;  '  I  have  read  only  about 
three  fourths  of  the  book.' 

"  '  I  will  turn  to  the  last  paragraph,  and  read  it.' 

<'  He  did  so,  and  read  aloud  :  '  For  I  testify  unto 
every  man  that  heareth  the  words  of  the  prophecy  of 
this  book,  if  any  man  shall  add  unto  these  things,  God 


414 


PSALMS    AND    HYMNS. 


shall  add  unto  him  the  plagues  that  are  written  in  this 
book.  And  if  any  man  shall  take  away  from  the  words 
of  the  book  of  this  prophecy,  God  shall  take  away  his 
part  out  of  the  book  of  life,  and  out  of  the  holy  city, 
and  from  the  things  which  are  written  in  this  book. 

"  '  That  is,'  said  he,  fixing  his  eye  on  Polycarp,  '  do 
not  alter  my  book  when  I  am  dead;  even  so,  amen.' 

"Thunder  and  lightning !"  said  Lucifer;  "  the  old 
apostle  would  speak  for  himself.  But,  Belial,  you  have 
not  yet  told  what  was  the  success  of  Ben  Adoni- 
bezek." 

"I  must  confess,"  said  Belial,  '-that  his  success  in 
that  age  was  but  limited.  The  good  taste  and  judg- 
ment of  the  church  were  decidedly  against  his  innova- 
tions. Many  alleged  that,  as  he  had  not  capacity  to 
write  a  single  stanza  of  original  poetry,  it  was  absurd 
for  him  to  pretend  to  improve  the  poetry  of  the  great 
Psalmist.  So  they  adhered  firmly  to  the  original  com- 
positions." 

''They  viewed  it,  I  presume,"  said  Lucifer,  "very 
much  as  the  community  would  now  look  on  the  pre- 
sumption of  one  who  cannot  paint  even  a  common 
portrait,  should  he  undertake  to  '  revise  and  improve  ' 
some  great  work  of  one  of  the  masters  of  the  art,  such 
as  '  Christ  Healing  the  Sick,'  by  Benjamin  West,  or 
those  powerful  paintings  by  another  hand, '  The  Temp- 
tation,' and  '  The  Expulsion  from  Eden.'  A  third  or 
fourth  rate  man  makes  wild  work  when  he  presumes 
to  thrust  himself  amidst  the  fine  arts — statuary,  sculp- 
ture, painting,  and  poetry  —  and  conceits,  forsooth,  that 
he  is  competent  to  '  revise  and  improve '  the  produc- 
tions of  exalted  genius.  I  saw  much  of  this  when  the 
Goths  and  Vandals  overran  the  Roman  empire.     Beau- 


PSALMS    AND    HYMNS.  415 

tiful  statues,  of  exquisite  finish,  symmetiy,  and  propor- 
tion, the  offspring  of  the  most  consummate  and  towering 
talent,  were  'revised  and  modernized'  by  the  ruthless 
hands  of  those  who  had  no  capacity  to  perceive  the 
perfection  and  grace  of  the  monuments  which  they 
thus  destroyed.  Not  only  were  thumbs,  fingers,  and 
toes,  great  and  small,  broken  off,  but  ears,  noses,  cheeks, 
and  chins,  were  demolished  by  those  who  were  so 
utterly  destitute  of  taste,  that  they  were  wholly  uncon- 
scious of  the  destruction  which  they  perpetrated. 
Your  aim  was  to  expose  the  sacred  poetry  of  the 
church  to  the  same  fate." 

"  Exactly  so,"  answered  Belial ;  '  and  notwithstand- 
ing the  failure  of  Ben  Adoni-bezek,  I  regarded  the  pla7i 
as  admirable ;  I  resolved  not  to  abandon  it.  And  I 
have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  of  late  years  that 
same  plan  has  succeeded  finely,  through  the  manage- 
ment of  the  Demon  of  Science,  falsely  so  called." 

"  Where  is  the  Demon  of  False  Science  ?  " 

"  1  will  call  him  forward,"  said  Belial. 

The  Demon  of  False  Science  was  accordingly  called 
forward.  He  was  a  restless,  meddling,  fidgety-looking 
demon.  He  was  blind  of  one  eye,  and  the  other  seemed 
set  almost  crosswise  in  his  head. 

"  You  are  the  Demon  of  False  Science  ? ''  said  liUcifer. 

''  Your  majesty,"  said  he,  "  will  please  to  call  me  so." 

"  Very  well,"  said  Lucifer  :  "  I  wish  to  be  particularly 
informed  of  your  success  in  molesting  the  church  by 
destroying  valuable  books." 

*'  My  labors  in  that  line,"  said  the  demon,  "have  been 
continued  for  many  ages,  and  my  success  of  late  has 
been  very  gratifying.  I  attempted  mutilations  in  the 
writings  of  the  ancient  prophets,  of  which  your  majesty 


416  PSALMS    AND    HYMNS. 

has  just  been  told,  that  would  have  eclipsed  the  light 
of  religion,  had  I  succeeded.     But  never,  since  I  em- 
barked in  the  business  of  destroying  valuable  authors 
by  '  revising  and  modernizing,'  have  I  found  so  fine  a 
field  for  my  enterprise  as  in  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica.   The  ancient  Greeks  and  Romans  would  have  risen 
up  at  once  against  an  attempt  to  mutilate  Homer  or 
Virgil.     The  English  would  frown  on  any  mischief  of 
this  kind  in  reference  to  Milton  or  Shakspeare  ;  but  in 
the  United  States  it  is  wonderful  how  tamely  the  church 
has  submitted  to  the  most  palpable  outrages,  perpetrated 
under  my  supervision,  upon  Watts,  Newton,  Cowper, 
Steele,  and  other  standard  writers  of  sacred  poetry." 
"Have  you  accomplished  all  you  design  ?  " 
"  Not  as  yet,"  answered  the  Demon  of  False  Science. 
"  I  must  proceed  gradually.    It  will  require  two  or  three 
generations  to  fully  carry  out  my  purpose.    Adoni-bezek 
would  cut  off  the  thumbs  and  great  toes.     Ben  Adoni- 
bezek  would  go  a  step  farther,  and  the  son  of  Ben  Adoni- 
bezek  would  go  farther  still.    By  the  mutilators  of  this 
generation,  I  have  greatly  disfigured  many  of  the  finest 
of  the  hymns  of  Watts  and  others.     Now,  after  a  little 
breathing  spell,  I  design  to  set  another  generation  at  the 
same  work,  and  then  another ;  and  it  will  not  be  long 
till  I  shall  '  revise  and  modernize  '  all  that  is  valuable 
out  of  them.     But  I  must  tell  your  majesty  that  my 
great  success,  of  late,  has  excited  a  hope  far  beyond  all  I 
had  in  view  when  I  first  embarked  in  this  business." 
"  Ah,"  said  Lucifer ;  "  what  hope  is  that  ?  " 
"  In  marring  the  works  of  departed  authors,"  said  the 
demon,  "  I  had  only  thought  of  annoying  the  church 
on  earth:  but  as  the  intercourse   between  earth  and 
heaven  is  so  intimate  and  constant,  and  as  departed 


PSALMS    AND    HYMNS.  417 

saints  often  visit  the  church  below,  I  have  begun  to 
hope  that  they  too  may  be  interrupted  and  grieved  by 
what  I  have  done,  Isaac  Watts  declared,  before  his 
death,  that  *he  regarded  his  Psalms  and  Hymns  as  the 
most  valuable  service  he  had  been  able  to  accomplish 
for  the  church  during  his  whole  life.'  Now,  if  he  and 
other  sacred  poets  are  apprised  of  the  mischief  and  de- 
struction that  have  been  perpetrated  on  their  favorite 
works,  under  my  supervision  and  direction,  I  cannot 
see  how  it  is  possible  for  them  to  avoid  being  troubled 
and  grieved  at  the  heart,  even  in  the  world  above." 

"It  will  be  good  policy,"  said  Lucifer,  "  to  keep  up 
a  bold  pretence  that  your  mutilation  is  improvement." 

''  Yes,"  said  the  demon,  "  though  it  be  the  improve- 
ment experienced  by  the  towering  eagle,  when  those 
strong  pinions  that  have  borne  him  in  triumph  to  the 
clouds  are  singed  or  shorn ;  the  improvement  ex- 
perienced by  Samson,  when  his  abundant  locks  had 
been  '  revised  '  by  the  scissors  of  Delilah." 

"  Success  to  it !  "  exclaimed  Lucifer ;  "  success  to  the 
business  of  '  revising,  improving,  and  modernizing.'  It 
has  relieved  my  mind  on  a  point  where  it  has  labored 
Inuch  and  long.  Since  the  translation  of  the  Bible  by 
John  Wickliffe,  no  other  book  has  been  published  in  the 
English  language  that  has  exerted  a  religious  influence 
so  extensive  and  powerful  as  the  Psalms  and  Hymns 
of  Isaac  Watts.  The  ablest  writings  of  Baxter,  Henry, 
Owen,  or  Edwards,  have  not  reached  half  so  many 
minds,  nor  effected  sucli  deep  and  lasting  impressions. 
In  revivals  of  religion,  their  agency  has  been  tremen- 
dous. Often  have  I  seen,  in  great  congregations,  the 
rich  and  the  poor,  the  aged  and  the  young,  melted  and 
bowed  by  the  omnipotent   gospel  truth  embodied  in 


418  PSALMS    AND    HYMNS. 

those  Sacred  Songs.  They  have  sent  quaking  and 
terror  to  the  very  heart  of  the  empire  of  hell. 

"  But  since  incompetent  men  have  laid  rash  hands  on 
these  standard  hymns,  I  am  glad  to  find  that  they  have 
lost  much  of  their  power ;  their  religious  influence  is 
greatly  diminished,  and  may  soon  be  wholly  destroyed. 
Our  cause  has  little  to  apprehend  from  that  quarter 
hereafter,  if  these  sons  of  Adoni-bezek  are  allowed  to 
practise  and  prosper." 

To  the  Demon  of  False  Science  these  statements 
seemed  to  impart  the  highest  gratification.  He  stood 
in  a  conspicuous  station,  and  cast  his  one-eyed  glances 
to  the  right  and  left  over  the  multitude,  as  if  dizzy 
with  the  height  to  which  fame  had  exalted  him. 

Lucifer  now  arose.  "  Let  all  the  powers  of  darkness 
favor  this  master  device.  It  promises  much  in  be- 
half of  the  empire  of  hell.  I  should  deeply  regret  to 
see  the  church  wake  up,  and  reject  those  crippled 
copies  of  her  songs  of  praise,  and  return  to  the  use  of 
her  standard  hymns  in  their  primitive  perfection. 

"  Now,"  continued  he,  "  it  is  time  to  close  this  ses- 
sion. We  will  soon  meet  again,  and  resume  our  delib- 
erations. I  will,  in  conclusion,  give  a  sentiment  in 
which  I  am  persuaded  you  can  all  heartily  join. 

"Long  life  and  prosperity  to  the  sons  of  Adoni- 
bezek!" 

One  universal  shout  arose,  and  the  sentiment  was 
reiterated  by  ten  thousand  voices.  In  a  moment  the 
vast  hall  was  empty;  and  the  mighty  congress  was 
gone. 

THE    END. 


419 


LINES  ON  THE  MISSOURI  RIVER. 


MissoTTRi,  Missouri,  I  gaze  on  thy  stream, 
And  fancies  thick  rising  enchant  like  a  dream ; 
As  thy  restless,  bold  surges  go  foaming  along, 
I  make  thee  the  burden  and  theme  of  my  song. 

II. 

Old  records  rehearse  how  the  great  son  of  Nun, 
Made  a  famous  address  to  the  Moon  and  the  Sun ; 
Thou  Monarch  of  Rivers,  no  reason  I  see. 
Why  the  bard  may  not  dedicate  stanzas  to  thee. 

III. 
From  the  snow-covered  mountains  piled  up  in  the  north, 
Thy  waves,  like  an  army,  come  thundering  forth  ; 
A  continent  owns  thy  dominion,  and  brings 
Thee  her  tribute  from  thousands  of  beautiful  springs. 

TV. 

A  wonderful  empire  by  thee  is  possessed, 
Thou  strong  and  unparalleled  son  of  the  West ; 
No  rival  nor  equal  has  dared  thee  oppose. 
Since  earth  at  creation  from  chaos  arose. 


While  Nineveh,  Babylon,  Athens,  and  Rome 
Rose,  flourished,  and  faded,  and  sunk  to  the  tomb, 
Thy  beauties  remain,  and  as  youthful  now  seem 
As  when  fii-st  the  wild  buffalo  drank  of  thy  stream. 

YI. 

In  the  deep  and  inscrutable  counsels  of  God, 

Thy  realm  lay  concealed  during  ages  of  blood  : 

'Twas  the  will  of  high  Heaven  that  thy  plains  should  be  free; 

No  Nimrod  or  Caesar  e'er  trampled  on  thee. 


420  LINES    ON    THE    MISSOURI    RIVER. 


Wliile  bloodthirsty  monarclis  their  banners  unfurled, 
And  crushed  groaning  nations  throughout  the  old  world, 
The  guardian  of  Israel,  as  at  the  Red  Sea, 
Kept  a  "pillar  of  cloud"  betwixt  tyrants  and  thee. 

VIII. 

But  the  long-promised  mandate  of  Heaven  comes  now  — 
•'  Beat  spears  to  a  pruning-hook,  swords  to  a  plough ;  " 
And  as  the  blest  gospel  diffuses  its  light. 
Like  Canaan  to  Moses  thy  plains  come  in  sight. 

ix. 

To  the  eye  of  the  prophet  on  Pisgah's  high  top, 

First  "  Gilead,"  then  "  Ephraim,"  then  "  Judah  "  came  up  ; 

And  thus  in  succession,  before  our  glad  eyes, 

Thy  rich  and  extended  savannas  arise. 

X. 

Missouri,  Missouri,  I  rie-w  thee  with  pride  : 

What  cities,  what  temples  shall  garnish  thy  side  ! 

Ai\d  to  millions  of  millions  a  home  thou'lt  afford, 

"When  the  kingdoms  of  earth  shall  have  turned  to  the  Lord. 

XI. 

"When  Satan  is  bound,  and  the  Spirit  of  God 

Has  established  with  men  his  perpetual  abode. 

From  both  thy  long  shores,  from  thy  source  to  the  main, 

Hallelujahs  shall  rise  to  the  Lamb  that  was  slain. 

XII. 

'V\Tien  the  wolf  and  the  lamb  shall  lie  down  on  the  green, 
And  the  trail  of  the  serpent  no  longer  is  seen. 
For  the  worship  of  God,  on  the  sweet  day  of  rest, 
"What  assemblies  shall  meet  on  these  plains  of  the  West. 

XIII. 

Boll  on,  matchless  river  ;  thy  grandeur  display  : 
Though  we  who  now  view  thee  must  soon  pass  away, 
Thy  restless,  bold  surges  shall  dash  on  thy  shore, 
TUl  the  mighty  archangel  shouts,  "  Time  is  no  more  ! " 


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